How cells keep membrane fats (phospholipids) in balance
Deciphering the role of phospholipid homeostasis in physiology and disease
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · ICAHN SCHOOL OF MEDICINE AT MOUNT SINAI · NIH-11456704
Researchers will look at a protein that helps cells take in choline, a nutrient needed to make membrane fats and other important molecules, to learn how problems in this process can affect health.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | ICAHN SCHOOL OF MEDICINE AT MOUNT SINAI (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (NEW YORK, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11456704 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
You will hear about work on a protein called FLVCR1 that helps cells import choline, a nutrient we get from food that is used to build cell membranes and other key molecules. Scientists used genetic studies of blood metabolite levels to find this protein and are studying its role using human cells and mouse models. They used high-resolution imaging (CryoEM) to see how the protein transports choline and are measuring how loss of this transport changes membrane lipids and related biochemical pathways. The goal is to connect these basic changes in choline handling to health problems that may arise when phospholipid balance is disrupted.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with suspected problems in choline or phospholipid metabolism, or people known to have disorders linked to FLVCR1, would be the most directly relevant candidates for related clinical follow-up.
Not a fit: People with health issues unrelated to choline, membrane lipid balance, or FLVCR1 biology are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to diagnose or treat conditions caused by disrupted choline or membrane lipid metabolism.
How similar studies have performed: Choline's importance for membranes and methylation is well established, but identifying FLVCR1 as a predominant choline transporter is a recent and novel laboratory finding rather than a clinically proven approach.
Where this research is happening
NEW YORK, UNITED STATES
- ICAHN SCHOOL OF MEDICINE AT MOUNT SINAI — NEW YORK, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: KENNY, TIMOTHY COLE — ICAHN SCHOOL OF MEDICINE AT MOUNT SINAI
- Study coordinator: KENNY, TIMOTHY COLE
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.