Understanding how tunneling nanotubes help cells communicate
Official title: Mechanisms of tunneling nanotube architecture and function
Funded at University of Nebraska Lincoln · NIH-11222311 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at tiny structures called tunneling nanotubes that help cells talk to each other, and it aims to understand how they are made and how they work, which could help us learn more about how cancer cells avoid treatment.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Nebraska Lincoln NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Lincoln, United States) |
| Project start | October 28, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $164,138 |
| NIH project number | 5P20GM113126-09 |
| Project ID | NIH-11222311 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals affected by diseases where cell communication plays a critical role, such as cancer.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to cellular communication mechanisms may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the structures known as tunneling nanotubes (TNTs) that facilitate communication between cells. By focusing on the role of actin filaments and actin-binding proteins, the study aims to uncover how these nanotubes are formed and how they function in transporting various cellular materials. The researchers will use advanced microscopy techniques and molecular biology methods to analyze the dynamics and structure of TNTs, which could reveal important insights into their role in health and disease. This work may help explain how cancer cells evade treatment by utilizing these communication pathways.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for targeting cell communication in diseases like cancer, potentially improving treatment outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific mechanisms of tunneling nanotubes are still being explored, similar research has shown promise in understanding cell communication pathways in various diseases.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Nebraska Lincoln
Lincoln, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tang, Qing — University of Nebraska Lincoln
- Study coordinator: Tang, Qing
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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.