How two immune proteins (SHP1 and SYK) control macrophage 'cell drinking' and inflammation
Official title: SHP1 Phosphatase/SYK Kinase Balance Controls the Actin Economy and Macropinocytosis in Macrophages
Funded at South Dakota State University · NIH-11355415 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Looking at whether shifting the balance between two proteins in immune cells changes how they 'drink' and clear material, which could affect inflammation in autoimmune diseases.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | South Dakota State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Brookings, United States) |
| Project start | March 20, 2022 |
| Project end | January 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $337,909 |
| NIH project number | 5P20GM135008-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11355415 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People with autoimmune or inflammatory conditions who are interested in contributing to research or being considered for future trials related to anti-inflammatory strategies would be the most relevant group.
✕Less likely to help
Patients seeking immediate treatment or those without autoimmune or inflammatory conditions are unlikely to get direct benefit from this basic laboratory research.
What this research studies
This lab project studies macrophages, a type of immune cell that uses 'cell drinking' (macropinocytosis) to clear debris, present antigens, and help resolve inflammation. Researchers will use CRISPR gene editing and live-cell imaging to change levels of the proteins SHP1 and SYK and watch how the cells' internal scaffolding (actin) and signaling lipids behave. Experiments will compare resting and activated macrophages and use image-based measurements to see how these changes affect macropinocytosis. The goal is to map the cellular steps that control this cleanup process and how immune receptors influence it.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new molecular targets to better control inflammation in autoimmune diseases and guide future therapies.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary CRISPR screens in the investigator's lab highlighted SHP1 and SYK, but combining CRISPR with live imaging to map their roles in macropinocytosis is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
-
South Dakota State University
Brookings, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Thiex, Natalie Wendt — South Dakota State University
- Study coordinator: Thiex, Natalie Wendt
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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.