How tiny fat-like molecules and inositol phosphates work inside cell nuclei
Structure and function of phospholipids and inositol phosphates in the nucleus.
This project explores how small lipid molecules and inositol phosphates in cell nuclei function, with the aim of informing new treatments for cancers and other diseases.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vanderbilt University Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11327262 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
The research team uses structural biology, functional genomics, and chemical biology to learn how phospholipids and inositol phosphates act inside the cell nucleus. They determine atomic structures of lipid-bound nuclear receptors (like NR5A family members) and run small-molecule screens to find compounds that change receptor activity. The group will also identify genes that regulate nuclear lipid signaling and test how those changes affect cellular behavior relevant to disease. Results will guide development of new molecules that could become starting points for future therapies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with cancer (especially tumors linked to NR5A or nuclear lipid pathways) or patients willing to donate tissue/samples for laboratory research would be most relevant to this work.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate treatment changes or direct clinical benefits are unlikely to benefit from this basic laboratory research in the short term.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could reveal new drug targets and lead to therapies for cancers and other diseases driven by nuclear lipid signaling.
How similar studies have performed: Prior laboratory studies from this group have identified small molecules that modulate NR5A nuclear receptors, so this proposal builds on promising preclinical findings.
Where this research is happening
Nashville, United States
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center — Nashville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Blind, Raymond Daniel — Vanderbilt University Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Blind, Raymond Daniel
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.