How prostaglandins change cells' internal skeleton
Prostaglandins and actin remodeling
This project looks at how prostaglandin signals change cells' internal skeleton (actin) to better understand disease processes like cancer and heart disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Iowa NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Iowa City, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11318881 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are mapping how different prostaglandins control actin remodeling and collective cell migration, processes that matter for wound healing, cancer spread, and cardiovascular function. They will use laboratory cell systems and model organisms to trace which prostaglandin pathways and actin-regulating proteins are involved. The team will examine how COX enzymes (targets of common NSAIDs like aspirin) influence these signaling steps. The goal is to identify specific molecular links that could be targeted without blocking all prostaglandin signaling.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This lab-focused research does not enroll patients, but its results will be most relevant to people with cancer, cardiovascular disease, or other conditions tied to prostaglandin signaling.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate new therapies or hoping to join a clinical trial now are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this basic science grant.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to more targeted ways to control harmful cell movement and inflammation, enabling treatments that avoid broad NSAID side effects.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies suggest prostaglandins can affect cell movement, but detailed mapping of specific prostaglandin pathways and their downstream actin effectors is largely novel.
Where this research is happening
Iowa City, United States
- University of Iowa — Iowa City, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tootle, Tina L — University of Iowa
- Study coordinator: Tootle, Tina L
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.