How transport proteins and metals like zinc help immune cells clear away dead cells
Solute carrier proteins and metal ion-based signaling during efferocytosis
This work looks at how proteins that move nutrients and metal ions in immune cells help them remove dying cells and calm inflammation for people with chronic inflammatory conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11298106 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will study phagocytes (immune cells that eat dead cells) to see how solute carrier (SLC) and ABC transport proteins and metal ions such as zinc control the cleanup process called efferocytosis. They will use genetic tools including unbiased CRISPR/Cas9 screens to find transporters that act as brakes or boosters of efferocytosis. Key findings will be tested in cells and disease models to understand effects on inflammation and tissue repair. The goal is to identify transport proteins and metal signaling pathways that could be targeted to improve healing and reduce chronic inflammation.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be people with chronic inflammatory conditions (for example atherosclerosis or poor wound healing) who are willing to donate blood or tissue samples for research.
Not a fit: People without inflammatory conditions or those seeking immediate clinical treatment are unlikely to get direct benefit from this basic science project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify new targets to boost immune cell cleanup, reduce chronic inflammation, and improve tissue repair.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies link transport proteins to inflammation, but applying unbiased CRISPR screens to find transport-related brakes on efferocytosis is a relatively new and exploratory approach.
Where this research is happening
Saint Louis, United States
- Washington University — Saint Louis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ravichandran, Kodi S — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Ravichandran, Kodi S
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.