Understanding how cells transport and fuse tiny vesicles for communication and secretion
Official title: Dissecting the Molecular Mechanisms of Exocytic Vesicle Tethering and Fusion
Funded at Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester · NIH-11073076 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how cells move important materials around using tiny bubbles called vesicles, which is really important for things like growth and hormone release, and it’s using yeast to help understand these processes better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Worcester, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $669,060 |
| NIH project number | 5R35GM148225-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11073076 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research would include individuals with conditions related to cellular transport and secretion, such as certain cancers or ciliopathies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to cellular transport mechanisms may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the molecular mechanisms behind how eukaryotic cells transport cargo using small membrane-bound vesicles. It focuses on the regulation of vesicular transport and membrane fusion, which are essential for various cellular functions such as growth, movement, and hormone release. By employing a multidisciplinary approach that includes biochemical, structural, and biophysical techniques, the research aims to uncover the roles of specific proteins involved in these processes. The study uses the model organism Saccharomyces cerevisiae to leverage existing genetic and biochemical tools, while also exploring similar mechanisms in other organisms.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a better understanding of cellular communication and secretion processes, potentially impacting treatments for diseases related to these functions.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success in understanding vesicular transport mechanisms, but this specific approach to dissect the exocyst complex is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester
Worcester, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Munson, Mary — Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester
- Study coordinator: Munson, Mary
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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.