Understanding how signaling proteins communicate within cells
Capturing structure and dynamics of transmembrane signaling proteins
This study is looking at special proteins that help cells talk to each other, which can be important for understanding diseases like cancer, and the researchers want to see how these proteins change shape to send signals, hoping this will lead to new treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Champaign, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10891511 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on the receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) family of signaling proteins, which are crucial for cell communication and play a significant role in various diseases, including cancers. The project aims to investigate how these proteins change structure to transmit signals from outside the cell to the inside, particularly through their transmembrane and juxtamembrane domains. By developing new computational methods and utilizing experimental data, the researchers hope to capture detailed structures of these proteins in both their normal and mutated forms. This understanding could lead to new therapeutic strategies targeting these pathways.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with specific cancers or genetic mutations affecting receptor tyrosine kinases.
Not a fit: Patients with conditions unrelated to receptor tyrosine kinases or those not exhibiting mutations in these proteins may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of targeted therapies for cancers and other diseases linked to mutations in signaling proteins.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown success in understanding similar signaling pathways, indicating that this approach has the potential for meaningful advancements.
Where this research is happening
Champaign, United States
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign — Champaign, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pogorelov, Taras V. — University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
- Study coordinator: Pogorelov, Taras V.
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 below.