How cells transport cargo and its evolution
Official title: Evolution of Cargo Transport
Funded at Northwestern University · NIH-11021034 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how different types of cells move important materials around inside themselves, especially comparing mammal and fungus cells, to see how these processes might relate to brain disorders like Alzheimer's disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwestern University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | February 2, 2024 |
| Project end | December 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $224,101 |
| NIH project number | 5R00GM140269-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11021034 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with neurological disorders, particularly those affected by Alzheimer's disease or similar conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-neurological conditions or those without any cellular transport-related issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the mechanisms by which different types of cells transport essential materials within themselves, focusing on how these processes have evolved across various organisms. The principal investigator, Dr. Christensen, will compare the transport systems in mammalian cells and fungi to understand how they adapt to specific cellular needs. By examining both motor-driven and non-motor-driven transport methods, the research aims to uncover the links between transport defects and neurological disorders like Alzheimer's disease. This innovative approach combines evolutionary biology with cell biology to provide insights into cellular transport mechanisms.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a better understanding of how transport defects contribute to neurological diseases, potentially informing new treatment strategies.
How similar studies have gone: While the mechanisms of cellular transport have been studied, this specific comparative approach between fungi and mammalian cells is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
Northwestern University
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Christensen, Jenna — Northwestern University
- Study coordinator: Christensen, Jenna
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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.