Understanding how cells transport drugs and other substances across their membranes
Official title: Structural Dynamics of Active Transporters
Funded at Vanderbilt University · NIH-11078191 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain proteins in our cells help move drugs and other substances in and out, which is really important for treating infections and cancer when those treatments aren't working well. By using special imaging and computer techniques, the researchers hope to understand how these proteins work, which could help create better treatments for people facing drug resistance.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vanderbilt University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | May 1, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $562,773 |
| NIH project number | 5R35GM152382-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11078191 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients suffering from bacterial infections or cancers that exhibit multidrug resistance.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-resistant infections or cancers that do not involve the mechanisms studied may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms by which cells actively transport substances, including drugs, across their membranes. It focuses on understanding how certain proteins, known as multidrug resistance transporters, can pump out harmful substances, which is a significant challenge in treating bacterial infections and cancer. By utilizing advanced techniques like cryo-electron microscopy and machine learning, the research aims to reveal the structural dynamics of these transporters and how they function. This knowledge could lead to improved therapies for conditions where drug resistance is a major issue.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for overcoming drug resistance in bacterial infections and cancer treatments.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding drug transport mechanisms, making this approach both innovative and grounded in prior success.
Where this research is happening
-
Vanderbilt University
Nashville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mchaourab, Hassane S — Vanderbilt University
- Study coordinator: Mchaourab, Hassane S
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.