Understanding how proteins affect cell function and disease using a tiny worm model.
Official title: Molecular mechanisms connecting endocytic and junctional complexes with epithelial pathology in C. elegans
Funded at Cornell University · NIH-11011689 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain proteins work together to keep our tissues healthy and how problems with these proteins might lead to diseases, using tiny worms called C. elegans to learn more about how cells take in important materials.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cornell University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ithaca, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2025 |
| Project end | April 30, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $627,797 |
| NIH project number | 1R35GM156633-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11011689 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for benefiting from this research include children and young individuals with conditions related to epithelial dysfunction or cardiac diseases.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to epithelial pathology or those outside the age range of 0-21 may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the molecular mechanisms by which protein complexes influence the structure and function of tissues, particularly in relation to diseases. Using the model organism C. elegans, the team employs advanced genetic techniques, live imaging, and biochemical assays to explore how these proteins interact and regulate cellular processes. The findings aim to uncover how cells manage the internalization of materials through a process called endocytosis, which is crucial for maintaining healthy tissue function.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new insights into the causes of various diseases and potential therapeutic targets for treatment.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success in using similar genetic and biochemical approaches to understand cellular mechanisms, indicating a promising avenue for this investigation.
Where this research is happening
-
Cornell University
Ithaca, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hollopeter, Gunther — Cornell University
- Study coordinator: Hollopeter, Gunther
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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.