Understanding how cell membranes break during certain types of cell death and how glycine can help protect cells.
Official title: Molecular basis of plasma membrane rupture in lytic cell death and its inhibition by cytoprotective agent glycine
Funded at Case Western Reserve University · NIH-10930843 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a protein called NINJ1 causes cells to break apart during cell death, which can affect how our body fights infections and deals with inflammation, and by learning more about this process, the researchers hope to find new ways to protect cells using a substance called glycine.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Case Western Reserve University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cleveland, United States) |
| Project start | September 25, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $402,500 |
| NIH project number | 5R35GM151043-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10930843 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from inflammatory diseases or conditions where cell death plays a significant role.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-inflammatory conditions or those not affected by cell death mechanisms may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the molecular mechanisms behind plasma membrane rupture (PMR) during lytic cell death, which is a critical process in both fighting infections and contributing to inflammatory diseases. The study focuses on a protein called NINJ1, which is responsible for causing PMR, and uses advanced imaging techniques like cryogenic electron microscopy to explore its structure and function. By understanding how NINJ1 works, researchers aim to identify ways to inhibit this process with the cytoprotective agent glycine, potentially leading to new therapeutic strategies for various diseases.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that protect cells from damage during inflammatory responses, improving outcomes for patients with various diseases.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of targeting NINJ1 in PMR is novel, similar research has shown promise in understanding cell death mechanisms and developing cytoprotective strategies.
Where this research is happening
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Case Western Reserve University
Cleveland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dai, Xinghong — Case Western Reserve University
- Study coordinator: Dai, Xinghong
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.