How the cell transport motor dynein is controlled inside cells
Regulation of cytoplasmic dynein in vivo
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · HENRY M. JACKSON FDN FOR THE ADV MIL/MED · NIH-11170692
This work looks at how the cell's transport motor dynein is controlled, aiming to benefit people with motor neuron conditions such as ALS.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | HENRY M. JACKSON FDN FOR THE ADV MIL/MED (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (BETHESDA, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11170692 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers use a microscopic model organism (the fungus Aspergillus nidulans) to watch dynein moving inside live cells and to find the proteins that help turn it on and off. The team combines genetics and live-cell imaging to track dynein, its adapter proteins (like HookA and dynactin), and regulators such as LIS1 and a protein called VezA. By changing genes and observing how dynein behavior changes, they hope to pinpoint molecular steps that are needed for proper cargo transport. Although experiments are done in fungal cells, the molecular machinery is similar to human cells and may reveal mechanisms relevant to ALS.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This project does not enroll patients or require patient participation, but people with ALS who want to follow basic research progress may find the results relevant.
Not a fit: Patients needing immediate clinical treatments or therapies should not expect direct or immediate benefits from this basic lab research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could reveal molecular targets that eventually help protect nerve cells or fix their transport problems in diseases like ALS.
How similar studies have performed: Previous laboratory studies have successfully identified dynein regulators such as LIS1, but the specific role of VezA and some adaptor interactions remains less understood.
Where this research is happening
BETHESDA, UNITED STATES
- HENRY M. JACKSON FDN FOR THE ADV MIL/MED — BETHESDA, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: XIANG, XIN — HENRY M. JACKSON FDN FOR THE ADV MIL/MED
- Study coordinator: XIANG, XIN
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: Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Motor Neuron Disease