Understanding how specific molecules on cell surfaces interact in diseases like diabetes and cancer
Official title: Glycolipid biointerface to decipher disease-implicated ganglioside-protein interactions
Funded at University of California Riverside · NIH-10909283 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain molecules on cell surfaces interact with proteins related to type 2 diabetes and some cancers, hoping to find new ways to help manage these conditions for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Riverside NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Riverside, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $327,137 |
| NIH project number | 5R01GM148803-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10909283 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with type 2 diabetes or specific types of cancer that may be influenced by ganglioside interactions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to ganglioside-protein interactions or those not diagnosed with type 2 diabetes or certain cancers may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on the complex interactions between gangliosides, a type of molecule found on cell surfaces, and proteins that are implicated in diseases such as type 2 diabetes and certain cancers. By creating a specialized membrane interface system, the researchers aim to study how these interactions affect cellular processes like inflammation and cell adhesion. This innovative approach will help uncover the biochemical mechanisms behind ganglioside functions, which have been difficult to analyze due to their complexity. Patients may benefit from insights gained that could lead to new therapeutic targets for managing these conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for type 2 diabetes and certain cancers by targeting ganglioside-protein interactions.
How similar studies have gone: While the study of gangliosides is complex, previous research has shown promising results in understanding their roles in cellular processes, indicating potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California Riverside
Riverside, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cheng, Quan Jason — University of California Riverside
- Study coordinator: Cheng, Quan Jason
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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.