Understanding Cell Structure in Diseases like Cancer and Heart Conditions
Structure and functions of the actin cytoskeleton
This project aims to understand how the internal structure of cells works, especially in conditions like cancer and heart disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11137734 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Our cells have an internal framework called the actin cytoskeleton, which helps them move, keep their shape, and interact with other cells. When this framework doesn't work correctly, it can lead to serious health problems, including various cancers and cardiovascular diseases. This project uses a special imaging technique called platinum replica electron microscopy (PREM) to get a very detailed look at these cell structures. By seeing how these tiny filaments are organized, we hope to better understand how they contribute to disease. This detailed knowledge is crucial for developing new ways to address these conditions.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research does not directly involve patient participation but aims to benefit individuals affected by cancer, neurodegenerative, immune, and cardiovascular diseases in the future.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate treatment options or direct clinical intervention would not find direct benefit from this basic science project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could provide fundamental insights into how cell structures contribute to diseases, potentially leading to new targets for therapies for cancer and cardiovascular conditions.
How similar studies have performed: While the role of the actin cytoskeleton in disease is well-established, this project uses a distinctive high-resolution imaging approach to resolve its architecture at a single-filament level, which is a novel aspect.
Where this research is happening
Philadelphia, United States
- University of Pennsylvania — Philadelphia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Svitkina, Tatyana — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Svitkina, Tatyana
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.