Understanding how microtubules function and are regulated in cells
Official title: Structural and Biochemical Mechanisms of Microtubule Dynamics and Regulation
Funded at Ut Southwestern Medical Center · NIH-11011420 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how tiny structures in our cells, called microtubules, work and change shape, which is important for keeping our cells healthy and dividing properly, and it could help create better treatments for cancer by understanding how these structures can be affected by certain changes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ut Southwestern Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Dallas, United States) |
| Project start | December 24, 2024 |
| Project end | November 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $651,001 |
| NIH project number | 1R35GM156385-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11011420 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research are patients with cancers that are treated with microtubule-targeting chemotherapeutics.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-cancerous conditions or those whose cancers do not involve microtubule dynamics may not receive benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the structural and biochemical mechanisms that govern the dynamics of microtubules, which are crucial for processes like chromosome segregation and cellular organization. By employing advanced techniques such as X-ray crystallography, cryo-electron microscopy, and computational simulations, the team aims to uncover how tubulin subunits interact and change conformations during microtubule assembly and regulation. The study also explores how specific mutations can affect microtubule stability and function, potentially leading to new insights into cancer treatment. Patients may benefit from this research as it could inform the development of more effective anti-cancer therapies targeting microtubule dynamics.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved anti-cancer treatments that more effectively target microtubule dynamics.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in understanding microtubule dynamics and their implications in cancer treatment, making this approach both relevant and promising.
Where this research is happening
-
Ut Southwestern Medical Center
Dallas, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rice, Luke W — Ut Southwestern Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Rice, Luke W
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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.