How cells keep their membranes balanced by moving proteins and lipids
Mechanisms of membrane homeostasis through protein and lipid transport
This work looks at how cells move lipids and proteins to keep membranes working properly, which is relevant to people with adult-onset (type 2) diabetes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vanderbilt University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11250017 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers at Vanderbilt are focusing on proteins called P4-ATPases that flip specific lipids between the two layers of cell membranes to keep membrane composition and function stable. They use laboratory experiments in cells and molecular models to see how disrupting this lipid flipping affects processes like cell signaling, blood clotting, and vesicle trafficking. Because these transporters have been linked to obesity-related type 2 diabetes and other diseases, the team aims to connect basic membrane mechanisms to disease-related biology. The work is basic laboratory research rather than a clinical treatment study, but it could guide future clinical projects.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: While this grant does not appear to enroll patients directly, people with adult-onset (type 2) diabetes or related metabolic conditions might be eligible for future clinical or sample-donor opportunities informed by this work.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate changes in their medical care or those with conditions unrelated to membrane lipid transport are unlikely to benefit directly from this basic laboratory research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could identify new biological targets or pathways that lead to better prevention or treatment strategies for type 2 diabetes and related conditions.
How similar studies have performed: Prior laboratory studies have linked P4-ATPases to metabolic and cardiovascular problems, but translating these basic findings into proven patient treatments remains largely untested.
Where this research is happening
Nashville, UNITED STATES
- Vanderbilt University — Nashville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Graham, Todd R — Vanderbilt University
- Study coordinator: Graham, Todd R
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.