Understanding and redesigning how human cells communicate
Analysis and Engineering of Cell Signaling
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA · NIH-11260851
This project builds new lab and computer tools to read and rework how human cells send and receive signals so better medicines can be made.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (MINNEAPOLIS, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11260851 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
As a patient, this work is focused on figuring out the molecular details of how cells talk to each other and on designing new molecules that can change that communication. The team will combine laboratory experiments and computer modeling to map how receptors and their partners interact, including tough targets that need a cell membrane to function. They will use directed evolution to rapidly test many variants of signaling molecules and engineer new binders for complex membrane proteins. The methods also address cases where many binding sites or cell-bound ligands create complicated, multivalent interactions.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people with conditions driven by abnormal cell signaling (for example some cancers or immune diseases) who hope that improved molecular tools will lead to new targeted treatments in the future.
Not a fit: Patients needing immediate treatment or looking for a clinical trial result are unlikely to benefit directly because this grant funds laboratory methods development rather than patient treatment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the tools could speed development of targeted therapies that fix faulty cell signaling in diseases like certain cancers or immune disorders.
How similar studies have performed: Directed evolution and receptor-engineering approaches have led to successful therapeutic leads before, but applying them to challenging membrane proteins and complex multivalent interactions is newer and still emerging.
Where this research is happening
MINNEAPOLIS, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA — MINNEAPOLIS, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: SARKAR, CASIM — UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA
- Study coordinator: SARKAR, CASIM
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.