Investigating how heat shock causes cell death through a protein called Bim
Official title: Noncanonical roles of Bim in heat shock-induced cell death
Funded at University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr · NIH-11166355 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a protein called Bim causes cell death when the body gets too hot, which could help us find better ways to treat people who struggle with heat-related illnesses or improve cancer treatments that use heat.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $490,122 |
| NIH project number | 5R01GM155335-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11166355 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include patients with conditions that affect thermoregulation, such as anhidrosis or those taking medications like anesthetics and anticholinergics.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have issues with thermoregulation or are not affected by heat exposure may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the mechanisms behind cell death caused by severe heat exposure, known as hyperthermia. It particularly examines the role of a protein called Bim, which has been found to mediate cell death independently of traditional pathways. The study aims to explore how Bim interacts with other cellular components to induce cell death during heat stress, which could have implications for patients suffering from conditions that impair their ability to regulate body temperature. By uncovering these mechanisms, the research may lead to new therapeutic strategies for managing heat-related illnesses and improving cancer treatments that utilize heat.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for patients at risk of heat-related illnesses and enhance cancer therapies that involve heat exposure.
How similar studies have gone: While the role of heat shock responses has been studied, the specific focus on Bim's noncanonical role in heat-induced cell death is a novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bratton, Shawn B — University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr
- Study coordinator: Bratton, Shawn B
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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.