Understanding how a cell protein called calcineurin works
Elucidating calcineurin signaling mechanisms at membranes
This research explores how a key protein called calcineurin functions within human cells, which could help us understand its role in conditions like breast cancer and heart disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11089056 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Our cells rely on a protein called calcineurin, which helps control many important cell activities. Current medicines that block calcineurin, used to prevent organ rejection, can cause unwanted side effects because calcineurin also works in other parts of the body. This project aims to map out exactly where and how calcineurin acts within cells, including how it interacts with another process called S-acylation. By understanding these basic functions, we hope to find ways to target calcineurin more precisely in the future. This deeper knowledge could lead to new treatments with fewer side effects for various diseases.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients with conditions such as breast cancer or cardiac disorders, where calcineurin signaling or S-acylation may play a role, could potentially benefit from future therapies developed from this basic research.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate new treatments or direct clinical trial participation will not find direct benefit from this foundational laboratory research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this fundamental understanding of calcineurin and S-acylation could pave the way for developing new, more targeted treatments for conditions like breast cancer and cardiac diseases, with potentially fewer side effects.
How similar studies have performed: The principal investigator has over 30 years of experience elucidating calcineurin signaling, and this work builds upon previous successes in defining the human calcineurin signaling network, now focusing on a novel intersection with protein S-acylation.
Where this research is happening
Stanford, United States
- Stanford University — Stanford, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cyert, Martha S. — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Cyert, Martha S.
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.