NIH-funded research R15 grant

Understanding how a specific molecule affects cell movement

Official title: Investigating the regulation of PI(3,4)P2 in migrating cells

Funded at Amherst College · NIH-10291836 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how a special molecule helps cells move around, which is important for healing wounds and understanding cancer spread, and it could help us find new ways to control cell movement in different health issues.

Quick facts

Grant typeR15 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionAmherst College
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Amherst, United States)
Project startJuly 1, 2021
Project endJune 30, 2025
Funding year2021
Award (this year)$411,565
NIH project number1R15GM143733-01
Project IDNIH-10291836 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with conditions related to abnormal cell migration, such as certain types of cancer.

Less likely to help

Patients with conditions unrelated to cell migration or those not affected by malignancies may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates the role of a molecule called PI(3,4)P2 in the movement of cells, which is crucial for processes like wound healing and cancer metastasis. The researchers will explore how this molecule interacts with another protein, Ras, to regulate cell migration. By studying a model organism, Dictyostelium, they aim to uncover the mechanisms that control cell movement and how these processes might be altered in diseases. The findings could lead to new insights into how to manipulate cell migration in various medical conditions.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for treating diseases where cell migration plays a critical role, such as cancer.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding cellular signaling pathways can lead to significant advancements in cancer treatment, suggesting this approach has potential for success.

Where this research is happening

  • Amherst College
    Amherst, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Edwards, Marc — Amherst College
  • Study coordinator: Edwards, Marc

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

  • Understanding how resistance to common diseases affects the emergence of new diseases

    This study looks at how different levels of disease resistance in plants and animals can affect the spread of new diseases when new germs come into play, and it aims to help us understand how to better manage and prevent these diseases in the future.

    NIH research Amherst College · Amherst, United States · NIH-10670820

  • Understanding how a specific molecule affects cell movement

    This study is looking at how a special molecule helps cells move, which is important for healing wounds and understanding cancer spread, and it aims to find out how this molecule works with another protein to control cell movement, which could help improve treatments for different health issues.

    NIH research Amherst College · Amherst, United States · NIH-10582333

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.
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Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.