Understanding how calcium signaling affects various diseases
Official title: The Molecular Basis of the STIM/Orai Signaling Pathway
Funded at Pennsylvania State Univ Hershey Med Ctr · NIH-10842467 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain proteins help control calcium signals in our cells, which is important for things like cell growth and movement, and it aims to find new ways to treat diseases like cancer and fibrosis by understanding how these signals can go wrong.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Pennsylvania State Univ Hershey Med Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Hershey, United States) |
| Project start | September 10, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $417,000 |
| NIH project number | 1R35GM153379-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10842467 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from chronic diseases such as renal fibrosis, pulmonary fibrosis, immune deficiencies, or certain types of cancer.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to calcium signaling or those not experiencing chronic diseases may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the STIM/Orai signaling pathway, which plays a crucial role in regulating calcium signals within cells. By examining how STIM proteins in the endoplasmic reticulum interact with Orai channels in the plasma membrane, the study aims to uncover the mechanisms behind calcium signaling and its impact on cellular functions such as growth and contraction. The research focuses on understanding the dysregulation of this pathway in diseases like cancer and fibrosis, which could lead to the development of new treatments. Patients may benefit from insights gained about how to modify calcium signals to alleviate symptoms of chronic diseases.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new pharmacological tools that help manage diseases associated with abnormal cellular growth and remodeling.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding calcium signaling pathways, indicating that this approach has potential for significant advancements in treatment.
Where this research is happening
-
Pennsylvania State Univ Hershey Med Ctr
Hershey, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhou, Yandong — Pennsylvania State Univ Hershey Med Ctr
- Study coordinator: Zhou, Yandong
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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.