Understanding Cell Signals Inside the Body's Cells

Investigation of a Newly Discovered Organelle-Based Signaling Paradigm

NIH-funded research University of California, San Francisco · NIH-11088176

This research explores how cells communicate by looking at signals happening deep inside them, not just on their surface, to better understand diseases and how medicines work.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of California, San Francisco NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (San Francisco, United States)
Project IDNIH-11088176 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

For a long time, we thought cells only received signals on their outer surface, which then told them what to do. This project suggests that cells also have important communication happening inside, within tiny structures like endosomes and Golgi membranes. Researchers are using new tools to see how these internal signals work and how they affect a cell's response to outside messages. This deeper understanding could reveal why some medicines are effective and how they might be improved.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: This foundational research is not directly recruiting patients but aims to benefit anyone affected by diseases involving cell communication and drug action.

Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate new treatments or direct clinical intervention will not find direct benefit from this basic science project.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: This work could lead to new ways of thinking about how diseases develop and how to design more effective drugs by targeting internal cell communication.

How similar studies have performed: This project uses novel tools and challenges long-held beliefs about cell signaling, indicating a new and untested approach.

Where this research is happening

San Francisco, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions DiseaseDisorder
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.