How STAT1 and STAT3 proteins stay active and trigger autoimmune problems
Mechanisms of STAT1 and STAT3 canonical and persistent activation in physiology and disease
This project looks at how two immune proteins, STAT1 and STAT3, become persistently active in people with autoimmune and immune‑deficiency conditions so treatments can be improved.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Alabama at Birmingham NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Birmingham, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11291853 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient perspective, scientists will use advanced imaging and lab techniques to see how STAT1 and STAT3 move into cell nuclei and turn on genes. They will combine cryogenic electron microscopy with biochemical, biophysical, and cell experiments to reveal the molecular steps that keep these proteins switched on. The work focuses on gain‑of‑function changes in STAT1 and STAT3 that are linked to autoimmunity and infection risk. Understanding these steps could point to ways to dial down harmful immune overactivity.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be people with autoimmune disease or known STAT1 or STAT3 gain‑of‑function mutations, or patients with immune disorders referred by clinicians.
Not a fit: People whose conditions are unrelated to STAT1/STAT3 signaling or who cannot travel to the research site are unlikely to benefit directly from participating.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could point to new targets for drugs that reduce harmful STAT1/STAT3 overactivity and lessen autoimmune disease and infection risk.
How similar studies have performed: Genetic and clinical research has already linked STAT1/STAT3 mutations to immune disease, but applying high‑resolution structural methods to persistent STAT activation is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
Birmingham, United States
- University of Alabama at Birmingham — Birmingham, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cingolani, Gino — University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Study coordinator: Cingolani, Gino
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.