How the cell's actin 'skeleton' is organized and works
Molecular and cellular mechanisms of the actin cytoskeleton organization and function
This project aims to understand how actin-binding proteins shape the cell's internal skeleton and how changes in them can lead to immune disorders, bone fragility, hearing loss, and cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ohio State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Columbus, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11176371 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This work looks inside cells to see how proteins called plastins bundle actin filaments and control cell shape and movement. Researchers will use structural, biochemical, and cell-based experiments, including advanced imaging and molecular tests, to map how plastins interact with actin and how mutations change their function. The team will study human plastin variants linked to deafness, immune system problems, osteoporosis, and metastatic cancers using cells and model systems. Results are intended to clarify conflicting or incomplete prior data about these proteins and their role in disease.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with immune system disorders linked to actin/plastin dysfunction, hereditary hearing loss from PLS1, PLS3-related osteoporosis, or cancers associated with plastin changes would be most directly relevant for future participation or sample donation.
Not a fit: Patients whose conditions are unrelated to actin cytoskeleton biology (for example, isolated psychiatric disorders or many cardiometabolic diseases) are unlikely to directly benefit from this basic molecular research in the near term.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could reveal molecular targets or biomarkers that guide future treatments or diagnostics for autoimmune conditions, osteoporosis, hereditary deafness, and some cancers.
How similar studies have performed: Previous biochemical and structural studies of actin-binding proteins have provided useful clues but remain incomplete and sometimes contradictory, so this project builds on partial prior successes to resolve key gaps rather than testing a proven therapy.
Where this research is happening
Columbus, UNITED STATES
- Ohio State University — Columbus, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kudryashov, Dmitri — Ohio State University
- Study coordinator: Kudryashov, Dmitri
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.