Understanding how small molecules called polyamines affect cell functions
Official title: Elucidating the molecular and cellular functions of polyamines
Funded at Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Res · NIH-10911919 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at tiny compounds called polyamines that help our cells grow and stay healthy, and it aims to find better ways to measure these compounds in living cells to understand how they might affect diseases like cancer and genetic disorders, which could lead to new treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Res NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cambridge, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $487,500 |
| NIH project number | 5R35GM151111-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10911919 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with certain cancers or genetic conditions associated with polyamine dysregulation.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to polyamine metabolism or those not affected by the diseases being studied may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of polyamines, which are small organic compounds crucial for various cellular processes such as growth and survival. The project aims to develop new methods to measure polyamine levels in living cells and to explore how cells regulate these compounds. By understanding the mechanisms behind polyamine metabolism, the research seeks to uncover their impact on diseases, including certain cancers and genetic disorders. This work could lead to new therapeutic strategies targeting polyamines.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for cancers and genetic disorders linked to polyamine metabolism.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that targeting metabolic pathways, including those involving polyamines, can be effective in treating certain diseases, indicating potential for success in this area.
Where this research is happening
-
Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Res
Cambridge, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jain, Ankur — Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Res
- Study coordinator: Jain, Ankur
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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.