Proteins that keep B and T immune cells calm and alive
The Role of Pacs1-Wdr37 inLymphocyte Quiescence and Survival
This work looks at whether two proteins, Pacs1 and Wdr37, help B and T cells stay in a resting state and survive, which could matter for people with immune disorders or blood cancers.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ut Southwestern Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Dallas, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11259483 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient's perspective: researchers use mouse models that lack Pacs1 or Wdr37 to see how B and T cells behave when these proteins are missing. They measure whether cells remain quiescent, start to divide on their own, or undergo apoptosis, and they test cell stress responses such as endoplasmic reticulum stress and sensitivity to oxidative damage. The team also examines calcium signaling inside immune cells and how loss of these proteins affects models of lymphoproliferative disease and B cell malignancy. Results will be compared to human disease pathways to help identify possible targets for future therapies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with B cell or T cell lymphoproliferative disorders, certain B cell malignancies, or autoimmune conditions involving uncontrolled lymphocyte activation would be most relevant to this research.
Not a fit: People with conditions unrelated to the immune system or those seeking immediate treatment benefits are unlikely to gain direct benefit from this basic laboratory-focused work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new targets to prevent or treat lymphocyte-driven autoimmune disorders and some B or T cell cancers.
How similar studies have performed: Prior laboratory work in mice from this group showed Pacs1-Wdr37 loss alters lymphocyte survival and quiescence, so this project builds on those findings while clinical translation is still novel.
Where this research is happening
Dallas, United States
- Ut Southwestern Medical Center — Dallas, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nair-Gill, Evan — Ut Southwestern Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Nair-Gill, Evan
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 below.