Understanding Cell Connections in Autoimmune Diseases
Basis and Function of Lateral Assembly of Cadherin Molecules in Adhesive Junctions of Humans and Model Organisms
This research helps us understand how cells connect in the body, which is important for conditions like autoimmune diseases.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Salt Lake City, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11146649 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Our bodies rely on strong connections between cells to form healthy tissues and organs. These connections, called adherens junctions, desmosomes, and endothelial junctions, are crucial for everything from skin integrity to blood vessel function. When these connections don't work properly, it can lead to serious health problems, including autoimmune diseases. This project aims to uncover the detailed structure of key proteins, called cadherins, that form these vital cell connections. By understanding how these proteins link up, we hope to learn why they sometimes fail in human diseases.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients with autoimmune diseases or other conditions affecting cell adhesion could potentially benefit from future treatments developed from this foundational knowledge.
Not a fit: Patients whose conditions are unrelated to cell adhesion or autoimmune diseases may not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to understand and eventually treat autoimmune diseases and other conditions where cell connections are disrupted.
How similar studies have performed: While some aspects of cell adhesion are known, this project explores novel, detailed structural organization of cadherins that has not been fully understood.
Where this research is happening
Salt Lake City, United States
- Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah — Salt Lake City, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Brasch, Julia — Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah
- Study coordinator: Brasch, Julia
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.