Understanding how a protein causes cell death and inflammation
Official title: Regulation of Ninj1 oligomerization and cell membrane ruptures during cell death
Funded at Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester · NIH-11044101 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a protein called Ninjurin1 to see how it helps cells die and how that might affect our body's ability to fight off infections, especially from certain bacteria, using mice to learn more about these processes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Worcester, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2024 |
| Project end | January 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $203,094 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI182982-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11044101 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with conditions related to bacterial infections or those interested in the mechanisms of cell death and inflammation.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-bacterial infections or those not affected by immune response issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of a protein called Ninjurin1 in the process of cell death, particularly how it forms large pores in cell membranes that lead to cell rupture. By studying this mechanism, the researchers aim to understand how Ninj1 is activated during cell death and how it interacts with other proteins involved in the immune response to bacterial infections. The research will utilize mouse models to explore the implications of Ninj1 in fighting infections, particularly from Yersinia bacteria. This could provide insights into how our bodies respond to infections and the processes that lead to inflammation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for enhancing the immune response against bacterial infections.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding cell death mechanisms, but the specific role of Ninj1 in this context is still being explored.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester
Worcester, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lien, Egil — Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester
- Study coordinator: Lien, Egil
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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.