Understanding how large molecules move through the nuclear pore complex in cells
Official title: Structure-function mapping of large cargo transport through the nuclear pore complex
Funded at Rockefeller University · NIH-11249765 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how big molecules like proteins and RNA move in and out of the cell's nucleus, which is important for keeping our cells healthy, and the findings could help us understand diseases better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rockefeller University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2024 |
| Project end | January 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $78,892 |
| NIH project number | 3F32GM153164-01S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11249765 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research include individuals with conditions that involve cellular transport issues, such as certain cancers or genetic disorders.
✕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 mechanisms by which large molecules, such as proteins and RNA, are transported through the nuclear pore complex (NPC) that surrounds the cell nucleus. By using advanced imaging techniques, the team aims to visualize the structure and function of the NPC in both its inactive and active states. This study will help clarify how these large cargoes can pass through the narrow channels of the NPC, which is crucial for maintaining cellular function and communication. Patients may benefit from insights gained into cellular transport processes that could impact various diseases.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for diseases related to cellular transport dysfunction.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success in understanding cellular transport mechanisms, making this approach a continuation of established scientific inquiry.
Where this research is happening
-
Rockefeller University
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Caffalette, Christopher Alpert — Rockefeller University
- Study coordinator: Caffalette, Christopher Alpert
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
How cells organize into organized tissues to form organs
Researchers are studying how human-like cells in a lab can self-organize within a scaffold to form orderly tissue patterns, which could illuminate how organs such as skin and bones develop.
-
Modeling Ataxia Telangiectasia in a human stem cell model of Purkinje cells
Researchers are creating a patient-derived, human cell model of Purkinje cells to understand why this brain disease causes cerebellar degeneration in people with Ataxia Telangiectasia.
-
Centers studying how cancer spreads through the body
A multi-institutional project at Rockefeller University is exploring how nerves, blood vessels, lymphatics, immune cells, and metabolites influence the spread of cancer to help identify new ways to stop metastasis.
-
Understanding how mycobacterial transcription works to guide better TB drugs
Researchers will study how the RNA polymerase of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and related bacteria start, pause, and finish copying genetic information, with the goal of informing new antibiotic strategies against TB.
-
How chromosomes stay true when cells divide in cancer research
Researchers are studying how chromosomes are accurately copied and distributed during cell division to understand and potentially prevent cancer.
-
Marmoset model of Huntington's disease shows how symptoms relate to brain and behavior
A researcher at a top university is studying how Huntington's disease affects brain signals and behavior in marmosets to better understand the human condition.
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.