How cells use lipid signals to control growth and survival
Phosphoinositide Signaling in Cytosol and Nucleus
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-MADISON · NIH-11260182
This research looks at how fat-like signaling molecules inside cells help control cell growth and survival, which is important for people with cancer and some neurodegenerative conditions.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-MADISON (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (MADISON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11260182 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
The team studies a family of lipid-based messenger molecules (phosphoinositides) that act in the cell cytoplasm and inside the nucleus to control processes like growth, DNA repair, and stress responses. They focus on the PI3Kα→Akt pathway and how it is organized by a protein complex (IQGAP1) that makes sequential lipid signals (PI4P, PIP2, PIP3). The work examines where and when these signals are made, including at endosomes and along microtubules, and how nuclear lipid signaling affects cell survival. Techniques include biochemical and cell biology experiments using molecular tools that track and manipulate these lipids and the proteins that read them.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This work is most relevant to people with cancers driven by PI3K pathway changes (for example tumors with PI3Kα mutations) who may benefit from future targeted therapies informed by these findings.
Not a fit: Patients whose conditions are unrelated to PI3K or phosphoinositide signaling are less likely to benefit directly from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could point to new targets or strategies to block cancer-driving PI3K signaling and improve therapies for tumors with PI3K pathway alterations.
How similar studies have performed: Drugs targeting PI3K signaling have shown benefit in some cancers, but the specific roles of nuclear and endosomal lipid signaling and their organizing complexes are less well explored and represent novel territory.
Where this research is happening
MADISON, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-MADISON — MADISON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: ANDERSON, RICHARD A. — UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-MADISON
- Study coordinator: ANDERSON, RICHARD 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.
Conditions: Cancers