Understanding how a protein called Spns2 works to fight cancer and improve immune system function
Official title: Structural dynamics of sphingosine-1-phosphate transporters as key therapeutic targets for immune system modulation and cancer
Funded at Saint Louis University · NIH-11170399 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project aims to understand how a specific protein, Spns2, moves a molecule called S1P in and out of cells, which is important for immune responses and cancer growth.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Saint Louis University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | September 20, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $392,627 |
| NIH project number | 5R01GM145783-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11170399 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
This foundational research is for patients interested in the basic science behind new treatments for cancer and immune system disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients seeking immediate clinical trials or direct treatment options would not directly benefit from this early-stage laboratory research.
What this research studies
Our cells use a molecule called S1P to control their growth, survival, and movement, and a protein called Spns2 helps transport S1P. We want to learn exactly how Spns2 works because it could be a key target for new medicines. By understanding Spns2's structure and how it moves S1P, we hope to find ways to block it. Blocking Spns2 might help prevent cancer from spreading and make immune therapies more effective.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new drugs that target Spns2 to reduce cancer spread and enhance the body's immune response against tumors.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific mechanism of Spns2 is not fully understood, related research has shown that altering Spns2 activity can impact immune cells and tumor growth in animal models.
Where this research is happening
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Saint Louis University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dastvan, Reza — Saint Louis University
- Study coordinator: Dastvan, Reza
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.