Understanding how cells manage a key molecule involved in cancers
Deciphering phosphatidic acid homeostasis and signaling using optogenetic membrane editors
This project aims to understand how cells control a crucial signaling molecule called phosphatidic acid, which plays a role in cancers.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cornell University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ithaca, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11101409 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Our cells carefully manage a molecule called phosphatidic acid (PA) because it's vital for cell communication and growth, and its imbalance is linked to cancers. We don't fully understand how cells sense and adjust PA levels, which is key to developing new treatments. To learn more, we are developing special light-activated tools that can precisely change PA levels within specific parts of a cell. By using these tools, we can observe how other proteins in the cell respond to these changes, helping us discover new ways PA influences cell behavior.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational laboratory work does not involve direct patient participation but aims to benefit future patients with various cancers.
Not a fit: Patients not affected by conditions related to phosphatidic acid signaling in cells would likely not receive direct benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Success in this fundamental work could uncover new ways to target cancer cells by understanding how they regulate important signaling molecules.
How similar studies have performed: This project uses novel, light-activated tools to precisely control cell signals, representing a new approach to studying phosphatidic acid.
Where this research is happening
Ithaca, United States
- Cornell University — Ithaca, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Baskin, Jeremy — Cornell University
- Study coordinator: Baskin, Jeremy
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.