Understanding how cell movement is controlled by specific proteins
Official title: Actin gating of crosstalk between Rho GTPases in cell migration
Funded at University of California at Davis · NIH-10894929 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain proteins help cells move, which is important for fighting infections and understanding cancer spread, and it uses special tools that work with light to learn more about these processes, with hopes of finding new treatments for inflammation and cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California at Davis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Davis, United States) |
| Project start | July 25, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $359,070 |
| NIH project number | 5R01GM148769-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10894929 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with conditions involving abnormal cell migration, such as autoimmune diseases or certain cancers.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with stable conditions that do not involve cell migration or inflammation may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms behind cell migration, which is crucial for immune responses and cancer spread. It focuses on how Rho family GTPases, which are proteins that help organize cell signaling and movement, interact and regulate each other during this process. By using innovative molecular tools that allow researchers to manipulate these proteins with light, the study aims to uncover the intricate signaling pathways involved in cell movement. The findings could lead to new treatments for conditions related to inflammation and cancer.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic targets for treating inflammatory diseases and cancer.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in understanding cell migration through similar molecular manipulation techniques, indicating a potential for success in this area.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California at Davis
Davis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Collins, Sean Ryan — University of California at Davis
- Study coordinator: Collins, Sean Ryan
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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.