Investigating how stress affects cell behavior through unique protein and RNA structures
Official title: Structure, Function, and Dynamics of Non-Canonical Stress Granules
Funded at Worcester Polytechnic Institute · NIH-11043772 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at special structures in cells that form when they are under stress, like from UV light, to see how they work and how they might be involved in diseases, helping us understand how our cells cope with tough situations.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R15 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Worcester Polytechnic Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Worcester, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2025 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $445,873 |
| NIH project number | 1R15GM157697-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11043772 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with conditions that involve cellular stress responses, such as certain types of cancer or those exposed to environmental stressors.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to cellular stress responses or those not affected by the mechanisms being studied may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the formation and function of non-canonical stress granules (SGs) that develop in response to various stressors, such as ultraviolet (UV) radiation. By examining the unique composition and dynamics of these SGs, the study aims to understand their role in cellular processes and disease states. The researchers will utilize advanced imaging techniques and biochemical assays to analyze how these structures differ from canonical SGs, particularly in their potential pro-apoptotic functions. This investigation could provide insights into how cells respond to stress and the implications for diseases linked to stress responses.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for diseases associated with stress responses, including certain cancers.
How similar studies have gone: While canonical stress granules have been extensively studied, the investigation of non-canonical stress granules is relatively novel and has not been thoroughly explored in previous research.
Where this research is happening
-
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Worcester, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Farny, Natalie Gilks — Worcester Polytechnic Institute
- Study coordinator: Farny, Natalie Gilks
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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.