Understanding how cells organize their signals to control growth and communication
Deciphering the functional role of actin-spectrin-based membrane skeleton in subcellular compartmentalization of signaling proteins and cell signal transduction
This work explores how cells manage their internal communication systems, which is key to understanding diseases like cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Pennsylvania State University, the NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (University Park, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11142581 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Our bodies are made of cells that constantly talk to each other and respond to their environment using special proteins on their surface. These proteins act like antennas, picking up signals that tell cells when to grow, divide, or change. When these signaling pathways don't work correctly, it can lead to serious health problems, including various types of cancer. This project aims to uncover the precise ways cells organize these signaling proteins, forming tiny clusters that influence how signals are sent and received. By learning more about these fundamental processes, we hope to find new ways to correct faulty cell communication.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients with conditions like cancer, where cell communication and growth are disrupted, could potentially benefit from future treatments developed based on this foundational knowledge.
Not a fit: Patients whose conditions are unrelated to cell signaling pathways or cancer may not directly benefit from this specific basic science research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this fundamental understanding could lead to the development of new and more effective targeted therapies for cancers and other diseases caused by abnormal cell signaling.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown that cell surface proteins are critical for signaling, and this work builds upon increasing evidence that their organization plays a significant role in disease.
Where this research is happening
University Park, United States
- Pennsylvania State University, the — University Park, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhou, Ruobo — Pennsylvania State University, the
- Study coordinator: Zhou, Ruobo
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.