Understanding how cells die and are cleared from the body
Official title: Structural basis of apoptotic scrambling
Funded at Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ · NIH-11017015 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain proteins help dying cells signal the immune system to clear them away, which is important for keeping our bodies healthy, and it aims to find out more about these proteins to help improve treatments for conditions like autoimmune diseases and cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2024 |
| Project end | December 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $618,685 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI178180-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11017015 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with autoimmune disorders or those at risk for conditions related to dysfunctional apoptosis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to apoptosis or immune system function may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the process of apoptosis, or programmed cell death, which is crucial for maintaining healthy tissues and recovering from diseases. It focuses on the role of specific proteins, known as phospholipid scramblases, that help externalize certain lipids in dying cells, signaling immune cells to clear them away. By using advanced imaging techniques, the study aims to uncover the molecular structures and functions of these proteins, particularly the XKR family, to better understand their involvement in autoimmune disorders and cancer. Patients may benefit from insights gained into how these processes can be manipulated for therapeutic purposes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for autoimmune diseases and cancer by targeting the mechanisms of cell death and clearance.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding apoptosis and its implications in various diseases, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Accardi, Alessio — Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ
- Study coordinator: Accardi, Alessio
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.