Investigating how Galectin-3 and its variants influence cell behavior by clustering molecules on cell surfaces.
Galectin-3 and engineered variants for clustering glycolipids and glycoproteinson membrane surfaces
['FUNDING_R15'] · UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO · NIH-10652941
This study is looking at a protein called Galectin-3 to see how it affects the way cells communicate and behave, especially in cancer cells, with the hope of finding new treatments that could help patients like you.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R15'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (COLORADO SPRINGS, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-10652941 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how Galectin-3, a protein that binds to specific sugars on cell surfaces, can influence the clustering of molecules that are crucial for cell signaling and behavior. By engineering different forms of Galectin-3, the researchers aim to control how these molecules cluster, which could lead to new ways of treating cancers and other diseases. The approach involves studying the interactions between Galectin-3 and various cell surface components, particularly in cancer cells where Galectin-3 is often overexpressed. Patients may benefit from insights gained in this research that could lead to novel therapeutic strategies targeting cell behavior.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with solid tumors or cancers that express high levels of Galectin-3.
Not a fit: Patients with conditions unrelated to cell adhesion or signaling may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that manipulate cell behavior to combat cancers and other diseases.
How similar studies have performed: While the approach of targeting molecule clustering is relatively novel, similar strategies have shown promise in other areas of cancer research.
Where this research is happening
COLORADO SPRINGS, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO — COLORADO SPRINGS, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: VANDER ZANDEN, CRYSTAL MARIE — UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO
- Study coordinator: VANDER ZANDEN, CRYSTAL MARIE
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.
Conditions: Cancers, neoplasm/cancer