Understanding how actin filaments grow and shrink in cells
Official title: Structural-Functional Mechanisms Controlling Actin Filament Barbed and Pointed End Dynamics
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-10774457 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring how certain proteins help control the building and breaking down of tiny structures in our cells called actin filaments, which are important for movement and muscle function, and it could help us understand diseases like cancer and heart problems better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $325,000 |
| NIH project number | 1R01GM152412-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10774457 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with conditions influenced by actin dynamics, such as certain cancers or heart diseases.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to actin dynamics or those not experiencing cellular motility issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the dynamics of actin filaments, which are crucial for various cellular processes such as movement and muscle contraction. It focuses on how proteins regulate the addition and removal of actin monomers at the ends of these filaments, particularly looking at the roles of specific proteins that either promote or inhibit this process. By using advanced techniques, including CRISPR, the research aims to uncover the mechanisms that control actin filament behavior, which could have implications for understanding diseases like cancer and heart conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for diseases related to actin dynamics, such as cancer metastasis and cardiomyopathies.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding actin dynamics, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dominguez, Roberto — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Dominguez, Roberto
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.