Understanding the structure and function of caveolins in cells
Official title: Structural Diversity of Caveolins
Funded at University of Virginia · NIH-10914257 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a special protein called caveolin-1 to understand how it helps form tiny structures in our cells, which could explain how problems with these structures might lead to diseases like cancer and heart issues, ultimately helping to find new treatments for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Virginia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charlottesville, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $459,028 |
| NIH project number | 5R01GM151635-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10914257 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with conditions related to caveolae dysfunction, including certain cancers and cardiovascular diseases.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to caveolae or those who do not have any of the diseases being studied may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates caveolins, which are proteins that play a crucial role in the formation of caveolae, small invaginations in cell membranes. By using advanced techniques like single particle electron microscopy and computational analysis, the team aims to uncover the atomic structure of caveolin-1 and how it interacts with other proteins and lipids. This knowledge could help explain how defects in caveolae contribute to diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular disorders. Patients may benefit from insights gained about these mechanisms, potentially leading to new therapeutic strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for diseases linked to caveolae dysfunction, such as cancer and cardiovascular diseases.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding membrane proteins and their roles in cellular processes, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Virginia
Charlottesville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kenworthy, Anne K — University of Virginia
- Study coordinator: Kenworthy, Anne K
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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.