Understanding how microscopic cellular organizers shape cell structure
Official title: How to make a microtubule organizing center
Funded at University of Nebraska Lincoln · NIH-11395578 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A scientist will study how tiny structures inside cells organize themselves to control the cell’s shape and division, which could reveal new ways to understand diseases that involve cell division and movement.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Nebraska Lincoln NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Lincoln, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $249,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R00GM152794-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11395578 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are researchers and laboratories studying cell biology, cytoskeleton dynamics, or parasitic biology who may apply these principles to translational studies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients are not direct participants in this basic science grant.
What this research studies
This project explores how cells build and organize microtubule organizing centers to start and orient microtubules. Using two simple model systems, the researcher will combine experimental approaches to see how a key nucleator, γ-TuRC, is recruited and activated at organizing centers. The work aims to reveal the basic rules that govern where and how microtubules form, which could influence our understanding of cell biology in health and disease. The findings may provide foundational knowledge that could inform future studies in parasites or human cells.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Better understanding of cell architecture could inform future strategies to treat diseases involving cell growth and movement.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work has shown that studying simplified model systems can reveal universal principles of microtubule organization.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Nebraska Lincoln
Lincoln, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Travis, Sophie M. — University of Nebraska Lincoln
- Study coordinator: Travis, Sophie M.
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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.