Understanding how certain transport proteins work in cells
Official title: An integrated approach to understanding the molecular mechanisms of cation-coupled transport
Funded at Texas Tech University Health Scis Center · NIH-11097386 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain transporters in our cells work, especially one called SLC6A14, to better understand their role in diseases like cancer, which could help find new ways to treat these conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Texas Tech University Health Scis Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Lubbock, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $387,500 |
| NIH project number | 5R35GM153222-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11097386 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with chronic diseases, particularly cancers, that may be linked to amino acid transport dysfunction.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without chronic diseases or those not affected by amino acid transport issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms of cation-coupled transporters, which are vital for cell function and are linked to serious diseases like cancer. The team will use advanced techniques in structural biology and biochemistry to explore how these transporters operate at a molecular level. By studying a specific amino acid transporter, SLC6A14, the research aims to uncover its role in chronic diseases and improve our understanding of its function. This could lead to new insights into how to target these transporters for therapeutic purposes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for diseases associated with dysfunctional transport proteins, potentially improving patient outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success in understanding transport mechanisms, but this specific approach to studying SLC6A14 is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Texas Tech University Health Scis Center
Lubbock, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Guan, Lan — Texas Tech University Health Scis Center
- Study coordinator: Guan, Lan
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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.