Investigating how certain proteins communicate signals in cells
Official title: Structural and biochemical studies of receptor tyrosine kinases
Funded at Northport VA Medical Center · NIH-10951537 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain proteins help cells communicate and grow, especially focusing on how insulin and a similar protein called IGF1 work together, which could help us understand diseases like diabetes and cancer better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northport VA Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Northport, United States) |
| Project start | October 1, 2023 |
| Project end | September 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 5I01BX006248-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10951537 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with adult-onset diabetes or related metabolic disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to receptor tyrosine kinases or those not affected by insulin signaling may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs), which are crucial for cell communication and regulation of growth and metabolism. The study aims to explore how insulin and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF1) activate these receptors and how they interact with other signaling proteins. By using advanced techniques like cryo-electron microscopy, researchers will visualize the structures of these receptors and their associated proteins. This could lead to a better understanding of the mechanisms behind various diseases, including diabetes and cancer.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for conditions like diabetes and certain cancers by enhancing our understanding of cell signaling pathways.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding RTKs and their roles in cell signaling, indicating that this approach has potential for significant findings.
Where this research is happening
-
Northport VA Medical Center
Northport, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Miller, W Todd — Northport VA Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Miller, W Todd
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Lipid movement sensors in the kidney and high blood pressure
This NIH grant explores how cholesterol transport in the kidney affects salt handling and high blood pressure in adults.
-
Optimizing antibody therapies against antibiotic-resistant Klebsiella in High-Risk patients
A patient-focused look at improving monoclonal antibodies that target hard-to-treat Klebsiella infections in people who are seriously ill or recovering in hospital settings.
-
How insulin and IGF1 receptors send signals inside cells
This work looks at how insulin and IGF1 receptors and their partner proteins interact to control cell metabolism relevant to adult-onset diabetes.
-
How the KLF15 protein affects energy use and recovery in kidney tubule cells
Researchers are looking at whether KLF15 helps kidney tubule cells recover after injury to reduce long-term scarring and chronic kidney damage.
-
How kidney blood-vessel cells control tiny-vessel clots in the kidney
This project looks at whether a protein called KLF4 in kidney blood-vessel cells helps stop dangerous clotting and inflammation in people with thrombotic microangiopathy.
-
miR-15a microRNA therapy for advanced metastatic colorectal cancer
A new treatment using a small RNA called miR-15a is being developed to help people, including Veterans, with advanced metastatic colorectal cancer that is resistant to standard chemotherapy.
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.