Understanding how proteins change shape when they enter cell membranes
Official title: Elucidating the Molecular Mechanisms of Conformational Switching during Protein Insertion into Membranes
Funded at University of Kansas Medical Center · NIH-10909288 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how proteins change shape to help them move into cell membranes, which is important for many body functions, and it aims to find out how different fats and minerals affect this process, with hopes of improving treatments for cancer and other health problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Kansas Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Kansas City, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $476,330 |
| NIH project number | 5R01GM145991-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10909288 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with cancers that may be influenced by protein interactions with cell membranes, particularly those involving the Bcl-2 family of proteins.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to protein-membrane interactions or those not affected by the mechanisms being studied may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the process by which proteins transition from a soluble form to one that can insert into cell membranes, a crucial step in various cellular functions. The team will explore how factors like lipid composition and certain ions influence this conformational switching. By conducting experiments to understand these mechanisms, they aim to develop better predictive tools for how proteins interact with membranes, which could have significant implications for cancer treatment and other health issues.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for targeting cancer cells and enhancing the effectiveness of certain therapies.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in understanding protein-membrane interactions, suggesting that this approach could lead to meaningful advancements in the field.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Kansas Medical Center
Kansas City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ladokhin, Alexey — University of Kansas Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Ladokhin, Alexey
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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.