Understanding How Cells Communicate to Grow Blood Vessels
Mechanisms and Functional Consequences of Signaling Protein Organization at Membranes
This research explores how cells receive and send signals, particularly focusing on how these signals help create new blood vessels in the body.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ut Southwestern Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Dallas, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11140463 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Our laboratory aims to uncover the fundamental ways cells organize their communication systems, especially focusing on proteins found on the cell surface that receive signals. We are particularly interested in a protein called VEGFR2, which plays a crucial role in forming new blood vessels, a process known as angiogenesis. By understanding how VEGFR2 is arranged and signals within cells, we hope to discover the basic rules that govern how many important cell receptors function. This knowledge could help us understand how blood vessels form in both healthy bodies and in various diseases.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research does not directly involve patients, but future studies building on this work might seek patients with conditions related to blood vessel growth or signaling problems.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate treatment or direct clinical intervention would not benefit from this basic science research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to control blood vessel growth, which is important for treating conditions like cancer or heart disease.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific mechanisms of protein organization and liquid-liquid phase separation are actively being explored, the general field of cell signaling and angiogenesis has seen significant advancements.
Where this research is happening
Dallas, United States
- Ut Southwestern Medical Center — Dallas, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dasgupta, Aparajita Kamalesh — Ut Southwestern Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Dasgupta, Aparajita Kamalesh
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.