Understanding how membrane proteins communicate signals across cell membranes
Official title: Revealing transmembrane conformational signaling through single-molecule FRET
Funded at Massachusetts Institute of Technology · NIH-10932100 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain proteins in our cells communicate and change shape, which is important for how our cells work, and it aims to help scientists design better drugs by using special techniques to see these proteins in action.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts Institute of Technology NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cambridge, United States) |
| Project start | September 21, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $428,218 |
| NIH project number | 5R35GM148287-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10932100 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with conditions that involve membrane protein dysfunction, such as certain cancers or metabolic disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to membrane protein signaling or those who do not have access to the research facilities may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms by which membrane proteins transmit information across cell membranes, which is crucial for cellular processes. By utilizing advanced fluorescence techniques and nanodiscs, the study aims to observe the conformational changes of these proteins in their natural environments. This approach allows for a better understanding of how these proteins function and how they can be targeted for drug design. The research focuses on improving the resolution of single-molecule spectroscopy to capture these dynamic changes effectively.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective drug designs targeting membrane proteins, potentially improving treatments for various diseases, including cancer.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in using fluorescence techniques to study membrane proteins, indicating that this approach has potential for significant advancements.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Cambridge, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Schlau-Cohen, Gabriela — Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- Study coordinator: Schlau-Cohen, Gabriela
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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.