Understanding how cell-adhesion receptors work
Structural and Functional Studies of Cell-Adhesion Receptors
Researchers are figuring out how certain cell-surface receptors that help cells stick together and communicate work, with the goal of finding new ways to treat cancers and developmental disorders.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11252787 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project focuses on two families of cell-surface receptors called adhesion GPCRs and teneurins that help cells communicate and are linked to cancer and developmental problems. The team will determine the receptors' three-dimensional structures and use biochemical and biophysical tests to see how they interact with partner molecules. They will apply protein engineering and lab functional assays to test how changes in these receptors alter cell behavior. The work aims to create new tools that could eventually help design therapies targeting these receptors.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with cancers or developmental or neurological disorders linked to these receptor families could be future candidates for related trials or for donating tissue or samples.
Not a fit: Patients whose conditions are unrelated to cell-adhesion receptors or who cannot provide samples are unlikely to see direct benefits from this research in the near term.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could reveal disease-driving mechanisms and point to new drug targets for cancers and developmental disorders.
How similar studies have performed: Structural and biochemical approaches have led to drugs for other receptor families, but these particular receptor families are relatively novel and largely untested.
Where this research is happening
Chicago, United States
- University of Chicago — Chicago, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Arac-Ozkan, Demet — University of Chicago
- Study coordinator: Arac-Ozkan, Demet
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 below.