How the cell’s V-ATPase proton pump controls acidity and signaling
Molecular Mechanisms of Cellular Signaling by the Proton Pumping Vacuolar ATPase
Researchers will map how the V‑ATPase proton pump changes shape and composition to control organelle acidity and cell signaling in conditions like cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | State University New York Stony Brook NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stony Brook, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11250116 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From my perspective, the team will use high-resolution cryo-electron microscopy to capture V‑ATPase structures at different steps of its reaction cycle and run lab assays that measure ATP usage and proton pumping. They will combine these structural views with biochemical tests and established yeast models to link changes in the pump to cellular behaviors like autophagy and trafficking. The project also examines how V‑ATPase on endosomes helps recruit signaling partners that move materials to lysosomes. This is laboratory-based mechanistic work that does not appear to enroll patients directly but could inform future treatments for cancers and related diseases.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Although this project does not appear to recruit people, its findings are most relevant to patients with cancers or other conditions involving altered cellular pH and autophagy.
Not a fit: People looking for immediate treatment options are unlikely to benefit directly because this is basic laboratory research focused on mechanisms rather than a clinical intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could identify new molecular targets or strategies to modify tumor acidity and autophagy, potentially leading to new cancer therapies.
How similar studies have performed: High-resolution structural and biochemical studies have clarified aspects of V‑ATPase function, but turning those insights into proven clinical treatments is still largely untested.
Where this research is happening
Stony Brook, United States
- State University New York Stony Brook — Stony Brook, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sharma, Stuti — State University New York Stony Brook
- Study coordinator: Sharma, Stuti
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.