Understanding How Cell Movement Proteins Work in Cancer
Structural and Functional Characterization of RhoGEF Regulation Using Nanodiscs to Assemble Membrane-associated Signaling Scaffolds
This project helps us understand how certain proteins, called RhoGEFs, control cell movement and growth, which is important for understanding and treating cancers like breast cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California at Davis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Davis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11105777 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Our cells rely on proteins called RhoGEFs to manage important activities like moving, growing, and dividing. When these proteins don't work correctly, it can contribute to the development and spread of cancers. Currently, we don't have medicines that specifically target these RhoGEF proteins. This project uses advanced imaging techniques, like cryo-EM, to look closely at how these proteins are structured and how they work at the cell membrane. By understanding these complex mechanisms, we hope to find new ways to stop cancer cells from growing and spreading.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational work is not directly recruiting patients but aims to benefit individuals with cancers, particularly breast cancer, in the future by providing new insights for therapy development.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate treatment options would not directly benefit from this basic laboratory research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Success could lead to the discovery of new drug targets and treatments for various cancers by interfering with these critical cell processes.
How similar studies have performed: This project is pioneering the study of these specific proteins at a whole-molecule level, as they are currently vastly understudied.
Where this research is happening
Davis, United States
- University of California at Davis — Davis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cash, Jennifer Nicole — University of California at Davis
- Study coordinator: Cash, Jennifer Nicole
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.