Understanding how actin structures are organized in cells
Official title: Investigating mechanisms of coordinating actinstructure across multiple levels oforder
Funded at Massachusetts Institute of Technology · NIH-10901368 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how a protein named Bitesize helps shape important structures in cells, especially in fruit fly embryos, to better understand how cells and tissues grow and develop properly.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts Institute of Technology NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cambridge, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2024 |
| Project end | September 4, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $77,284 |
| NIH project number | 1F32GM154448-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10901368 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for benefiting from this research would include individuals with developmental disorders or cancers linked to cellular organization issues.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to cellular structure or actin dynamics may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms by which a protein called Bitesize organizes actin structures within cells, particularly during the development of fruit fly embryos. By studying how Bitesize interacts with actin at different levels, the research aims to uncover the integrated processes that facilitate proper cell and tissue formation. The approach involves detailed analysis of actin dynamics and organization, which could provide insights into fundamental biological processes relevant to growth and development.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance our understanding of cellular organization, potentially leading to advancements in treating developmental disorders and cancers.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success in understanding actin dynamics and its implications in cellular processes, making this approach promising yet still exploratory.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Cambridge, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mcdougal, Anthony Drew — Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- Study coordinator: Mcdougal, Anthony Drew
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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.