Understanding how certain proteins control cell movement
Official title: ARFs, ORPs and the control of cell migration
Funded at University of Virginia · NIH-11004161 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain proteins help control how cells move and stick together, especially in cancer, by focusing on how they respond to calcium signals, which could help us understand and improve treatments for cancer spread.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Virginia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charlottesville, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2024 |
| Project end | December 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $363,375 |
| NIH project number | 5R35GM152130-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11004161 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research would include individuals with conditions related to cancer metastasis or other diseases involving abnormal cell migration.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with stable, non-migratory conditions or those not affected by cell adhesion issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of ADP-ribosylation factors (ARFs) and their regulators in controlling cell migration and adhesion. By focusing on specific proteins that respond to calcium signaling, the study aims to uncover how these proteins influence the movement of cells, particularly in the context of cancer metastasis. The researchers will explore the interactions between ARFs and other proteins to understand their function in cellular processes. This could lead to insights into how cells move and adhere, which is crucial for various physiological and pathological conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing cancer metastasis by targeting the mechanisms of cell migration.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in understanding the roles of similar proteins in cell migration, indicating that this approach has potential for impactful findings.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Virginia
Charlottesville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Casanova, James E. — University of Virginia
- Study coordinator: Casanova, James E.
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
STeroids and enhanced Antibiotics for sepsis in Africa with HIV/TB (STARS)
This grant tests whether adding steroids and stronger antibiotics helps adults with severe sepsis tied to HIV/TB in areas with high TB rates.
-
Steroids and better antibiotics for sepsis in people with AIDS in Africa
This study tests whether adding hydrocortisone and stronger antibiotics can improve survival for adults with sepsis who also have AIDS or advanced immune suppression in regions with high TB.
-
Predictive tools to improve pediatric donor heart use
A pediatric heart transplant grant is building data-driven tools to help doctors choose the best donor hearts for children.
-
Microglia Help Finish Seizures and Heal the Brain
Scientists are studying how brain immune cells (microglia) help end severe seizures and repair brain damage, with potential new ideas for people who have had status epilepticus.
-
Small molecules that boost the 20S proteasome to fight Alzheimer’s and related dementias
A new approach tests small molecules that activate the 20S proteasome to help neurons clear harmful proteins and slow the spread of disease in people affected by Alzheimer's and related dementias.
-
Advanced genome and transcriptome analysis with long-read sequencing
A researcher at a university is using long-read DNA and RNA sequencing to map complete genomes and transcriptomes for individuals to understand how genetic variations relate to disease risk.
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.