Optical control of the actin cytoskeleton for cellular function
Official title: Optical Control of the Actin Cytoskeleton
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-11616949 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A scientist is developing light-activated molecules to precisely control how actin filaments behave in human and animal cells.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2018 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $23,408 |
| NIH project number | 3R01GM126228-08S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11616949 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are individuals whose condition involves abnormal cell movement or actin-related processes and who may participate in future translational research or related clinical studies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients not involved in actin-related disease pathways or those not eligible for future translational studies may not benefit directly.
What this research studies
This project explores photoswitchable compounds that can turn actin dynamics on and off with light, affecting G-actin and F-actin, as well as key actin-regulating proteins. The work covers several cellular systems and aims to create probes that researchers can use to study cell movement and structure. If successful, these tools could lead to new ways to influence cell behavior in diseases where movement and organization of cells matter.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could benefit from future therapies that target cell movement and organization with precise, light-controlled drugs.
How similar studies have gone: Similar approaches using photoswitchable molecules have shown precise control of actin dynamics in cells, with promising use as research tools and potential therapies.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Trauner, Dirk Hartwig — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Trauner, Dirk Hartwig
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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.