Understanding how proteins communicate signals in cells

Revealing signal transduction mechanisms through protein design

['FUNDING_CAREER'] · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO · NIH-10948722

This study is looking at how proteins in cells notice changes in their surroundings and send messages to help the cell adjust, using specially designed bacterial proteins to learn more about how these signals work.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_CAREER']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO (nih funded)
Locations1 site (SAN FRANCISCO, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10948722 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates the mechanisms by which proteins in cells detect environmental changes and communicate signals to help the cell adapt. By designing and engineering proteins, the researchers aim to create simplified versions of these signaling proteins to better understand how they switch between different states. The approach involves using bacterial proteins as a model system to explore how changes in protein design affect their signaling behavior. This could lead to new insights into cellular communication and signaling pathways.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with conditions that involve disrupted cellular signaling pathways.

Not a fit: Patients with conditions unrelated to cellular signaling mechanisms may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance our understanding of cellular signaling, potentially leading to new therapeutic strategies for diseases related to signaling dysfunction.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown success in using protein engineering to understand signaling mechanisms, indicating that this approach has potential for meaningful discoveries.

Where this research is happening

SAN FRANCISCO, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.