New Sensors for Detecting Small Molecules in Cells
Official title: Organometallic Sensors for Cellular Small Molecule Detection
Funded at University of Denver (Colorado Seminary) · NIH-11117179 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This work aims to create new tools that can find tiny molecules in our cells, like ethylene, which are linked to stress in the body and various health conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Denver (Colorado Seminary) NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Denver, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $367,504 |
| NIH project number | 5R35GM150937-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11117179 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
This foundational research is relevant to patients with conditions associated with oxidative stress, including various cancers, cardiovascular diseases, and neurodegenerative disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without conditions linked to cellular oxidative stress or the specific biomarkers being studied may not directly benefit from this particular research.
What this research studies
Our bodies produce small molecules like ethylene when cells are under stress, which can be a sign of conditions such as cancer, heart disease, and brain disorders. This project focuses on developing special sensors made with metals that can specifically 'see' and react with these molecules inside cells. By creating these advanced detection tools, we hope to better understand how these molecules contribute to disease. This research could lead to new ways to spot early signs of illness or track disease progression.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide more precise ways to detect disease markers, potentially leading to earlier diagnosis or better monitoring of conditions linked to cellular stress.
How similar studies have gone: Other studies have shown success in adapting metal-based catalysts for biological uses, and this project builds on recent progress in developing probes for specific molecules like ethylene.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Denver (Colorado Seminary)
Denver, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Michel, Brian — University of Denver (Colorado Seminary)
- Study coordinator: Michel, Brian
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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.