Investigating how molecular motors move within cells using advanced microscopy techniques
Official title: New Super-Accurate and Super-Resolved Fluorescence Microscopy Techniques and Probes for Studying Single Molecular Motors
Funded at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign · NIH-10765421 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how tiny motors in our cells, called kinesin and dynein, move and change shape while carrying important materials, using a special imaging technique to see them in action, which could help us understand more about how our cells work and what happens when things go wrong.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Champaign, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $366,291 |
| NIH project number | 1R35GM152088-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10765421 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with conditions that involve cellular transport abnormalities, such as neurodegenerative diseases or certain cancers.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to cellular transport mechanisms may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the movements and conformational changes of molecular motors, specifically kinesin and dynein, at the single molecule level within cells. By employing a cutting-edge fluorescence microscopy technique called MINFLUX, the researchers aim to achieve unprecedented resolution and speed in observing these motors as they transport cellular cargo. The study will involve both laboratory experiments and live cell imaging to explore how these motors behave under various conditions, including the application of force. This could provide insights into the fundamental mechanisms of cellular transport and their implications for health and disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a better understanding of cellular transport mechanisms, potentially informing new treatments for diseases related to cellular dysfunction.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research using advanced microscopy techniques has shown promise in understanding cellular processes, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Champaign, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Selvin, Paul R — University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
- Study coordinator: Selvin, Paul R
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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.