How cells move by reshaping their internal skeleton and membrane traffic
The mechanisms regulating actin dynamics and polarized membrane transport during cell migration
This project looks at how cancer cells change their internal skeleton and membrane transport to move through tissues, which could help people with cancers that spread.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Colorado Denver NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11176366 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will focus on proteins called Rab40 that link membrane trafficking to the cell’s actin skeleton to see how cells migrate in 3-D tissue-like environments. They will use lab-grown cell models, 3-D matrices, advanced imaging, and biochemical tools to watch and alter Rab40, Cullin5 interactions, and secretion of enzymes that let cells cut through surrounding tissue. The team plans to track actin dynamics and polarized membrane transport to understand how these processes help cells invade and migrate. Findings will point to molecular steps that could be targeted to slow or stop harmful cell movement.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with cancers known to invade and spread, such as metastatic breast cancer, are the most likely eventual candidates for treatments born from this research.
Not a fit: Patients with conditions unrelated to cell migration or tumors that do not rely on these migration pathways may not benefit from this line of work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify new targets to prevent cancer spread or improve therapies that control harmful cell movement.
How similar studies have performed: Basic studies already link Rab family proteins and actin remodeling to cell movement, but focusing on Rab40’s role and targeting it for therapy is relatively new and largely untested in patients.
Where this research is happening
Aurora, UNITED STATES
- University of Colorado Denver — Aurora, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Prekeris, Rytis — University of Colorado Denver
- Study coordinator: Prekeris, Rytis
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.