Using light to control the cell's actin skeleton
Optical Control of the Actin Cytoskeleton
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA · NIH-11169960
Researchers are testing light-activated small molecules that switch parts of the cell's scaffolding on and off to help guide future cancer and nerve treatments.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (PHILADELPHIA, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11169960 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
The team makes light-sensitive compounds that bind to actin (the cell’s structural protein) and to proteins that build or move actin, so they can turn those activities on or off with light. They design variants based on natural products and test them in cells, including cancer cell lines and nerve cells. Experiments so far use cultured cells and microscopy to watch how the compounds change cell movement and structure when exposed to light. The goal is to produce precise chemical tools that could later be used to target diseased cells with fewer side effects.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: In the future, patients with cancers driven by invasive cell movement or certain neurological conditions could be candidates for clinical trials of light-activated, actin-targeting therapies.
Not a fit: People without diseases linked to actin dynamics or those needing immediate standard treatments are unlikely to benefit from this basic research now.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to therapies that are activated by light to target cancer or nervous-system cells more precisely and reduce damage to healthy tissue.
How similar studies have performed: Related lab studies using photoswitchable probes and optogenetics have shown promise in cell and animal models, but clinical benefit in patients has not yet been demonstrated.
Where this research is happening
PHILADELPHIA, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA — PHILADELPHIA, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: TRAUNER, DIRK HARTWIG — UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA
- Study coordinator: TRAUNER, DIRK HARTWIG
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.
Conditions: Cancer cell line