Training program for understanding molecular machines in cells
Official title: Molecular Machines Mechanism and Structure (M3S) Training Program
Funded at Pennsylvania State University, the · NIH-10871828 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This program is designed for students who want to learn about the tiny machines in our cells that help them work properly, using cool techniques to see how these machines are built and how they move.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Training grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Pennsylvania State University, the NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (University Park, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $325,374 |
| NIH project number | 5T32GM149417-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10871828 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation would be graduate students in biochemistry, microbiology, molecular biology, chemistry, or biomedical engineering.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not involved in academic or research training programs may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This training program focuses on educating students about the molecular machines that drive cell functions, such as ribosomes and proteosomes. Participants will learn through hands-on experience with advanced structural biology techniques, including cryo-electron microscopy and X-ray crystallography, to analyze the atomic structures of these machines. The program also emphasizes the use of microscopy and image analysis to study the dynamics of molecular machines in action. By fostering a diverse group of interdisciplinary students, the program aims to enhance knowledge and skills in biophysics and related fields.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a deeper understanding of cellular mechanisms, potentially informing new therapeutic strategies for various diseases.
How similar studies have gone: While the training program itself is a novel initiative, similar educational approaches in molecular biology have shown success in enhancing scientific understanding and innovation.
Where this research is happening
-
Pennsylvania State University, the
University Park, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hancock, William Olaf — Pennsylvania State University, the
- Study coordinator: Hancock, William Olaf
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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.