Understanding how Dynein motor proteins work in cells
Official title: Investigating the in vivo regulation of Dynein activity
Funded at Augusta University · NIH-11071198 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a special protein called Dynein helps move important materials inside cells, using fruit fly egg chambers to learn how it works and what helpers it needs, which could help us understand diseases caused by problems with this transport system.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Augusta University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Augusta, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2025 |
| Project end | April 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $41,405 |
| NIH project number | 1F31GM157952-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11071198 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals affected by neurodegenerative diseases, particularly those with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to cellular transport or neurodegeneration may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the regulation of Dynein, a motor protein that transports essential cellular materials, in living cells. By using the Drosophila egg chamber as a model, the study aims to uncover how Dynein is activated and which cargo adaptors are necessary for its function. This approach will provide insights into the mechanisms of cellular transport and polarity, which are crucial for cell health and function. The findings could have implications for understanding diseases related to cellular transport dysfunction.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new insights into cellular transport mechanisms that may inform treatments for conditions like Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of studying Dynein in vivo is less explored, related research on motor proteins has shown promise in understanding cellular transport mechanisms.
Where this research is happening
-
Augusta University
Augusta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Allen, Phylicia Angela — Augusta University
- Study coordinator: Allen, Phylicia Angela
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Sub-second acetylcholine release in the brain for Alzheimer’s dementia
A small, quick stimulations-based study aims to boost a brain chemical called acetylcholine to help people with Alzheimer’s disease by using a targeted brain stimulation approach.
-
Cardiac polyploidy regulators in fruit flies and humans
A researcher is studying how heart cells in humans and fruit flies control their DNA content to grow, hoping to uncover genes that keep the heart healthy.
-
Georgia CaRes: Cancer Research and Care in Georgia
A Georgia-wide program helps adults with cancer take part in trials and cancer-control efforts across rural and urban communities.
-
ZBP1's role in how the body handles LPS and bacterial infection
This NIH grant looks at how ZBP1 helps cells respond to LPS and protect against bacterial infection, focusing on a new pathway that can trigger inflammation and cell death.
-
How the protein RHOE may control scarring in the heart after a heart attack
This work looks at whether increasing a protein called RHOE in heart fibroblasts can reduce harmful scarring after a heart attack.
-
Length of Bisphosphonate Use and Breaks: Guiding Safe, Long-Term Osteoporosis Care
A clinician-friendly tool helps older adults and their doctors decide how long to stay on bisphosphonates and whether a drug holiday makes sense.
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.