Single-cell mass spectrometry to map proteins, lipids, and metabolites in individual human cells
Official title: Mass Spectrometry-Based Biochemical Analysis of Single Cells Beyond the Global Proteome
Funded at Brigham Young University · NIH-11372198 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A researcher at Brigham Young University will develop new mass spectrometry methods to measure proteins, lipids, and metabolites in individual cells to better understand cell diversity and function.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Brigham Young University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Provo, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $378,750 |
| NIH project number | 5R35GM153179-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11372198 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates include individuals whose diseases involve tissue heterogeneity or where single-cell molecular profiling could inform treatment decisions (e.g., cancer, neurological disorders).
✕Less likely to help
Patients without diseases linked to cellular heterogeneity or those not participating in a study would not directly benefit.
What this research studies
This project aims to quantify molecular differences between single cells by building new mass spectrometry tools that can profile proteins, lipids, and metabolites beyond what current single-cell methods cover. The team will create workflows that directly measure molecular components in individual cells, including posttranslational modifications, to link cellular state with function. The work focuses on large-scale, high-sensitivity profiling to capture rare cell subpopulations in tissues. Results could lead to more precise diagnostics and tailored treatments by revealing cellular heterogeneity that bulk analyses miss.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could benefit from improved diagnostics and more effective therapies informed by a deeper map of cellular diversity.
How similar studies have gone: Recent single-cell proteomics work shows it is feasible to quantify thousands of proteins per cell, supporting potential success for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Brigham Young University
Provo, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kelly, Ryan T — Brigham Young University
- Study coordinator: Kelly, Ryan T
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.