How cells control their internal skeleton to influence movement and cancer spread
Allosteric Regulation of Actin Capping Protein: Mechanism and Significance
This work looks at how a protein called capping protein controls actin filaments that help cells move, which matters for cancer and other diseases.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11247475 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Scientists are studying a protein called actin capping protein that controls the ends of actin filaments, the cell's internal skeleton. They use purified biochemical experiments and targeted genetic changes in living cells to see how two types of regulator proteins (CPI-motif proteins and V-1) switch this capping protein on and off at cell membranes. The team measures the molecular and biophysical steps by which these regulators change capping protein shape and function. They then look at how those changes affect cell movement and migration, processes that are important in cancer spread and some inflammatory conditions.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with cancers that spread through cell migration or with diseases linked to abnormal cell movement are the groups most likely to benefit from therapies informed by this work.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate treatment changes or clinical trial enrollment should not expect direct benefit because this is laboratory-based basic research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could identify new molecular targets to limit cancer cell invasion or to treat diseases involving abnormal cell movement.
How similar studies have performed: Previous laboratory studies have shown that altering actin regulators can change cell movement in cell and animal models, but translating those findings into human treatments is still in early stages.
Where this research is happening
Saint Louis, United States
- Washington University — Saint Louis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cooper, John a — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Cooper, John a
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.