Using light to control the cell's internal skeleton
Optical Control of the Actin Cytoskeleton
This project develops light-activated small molecules that let researchers switch the cell’s actin skeleton on or off, with potential use for cancer and nervous-system conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11376294 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are creating molecules that change shape when exposed to light so they bind specific parts of the cell’s actin machinery (monomeric G-actin, polymeric F-actin, the Arp2/3 nucleator, and myosin II). These photoswitchable probes are tested in a variety of cells, including human cell lines and nerve-related cells, to see how turning actin on or off affects cell movement and function. A chemist and a structural biologist work together to design, validate, and share these probes with the research community. Over time the team hopes these precise tools could form the basis for targeted therapies that act only where and when light is applied.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients with cancers prone to invasion or metastasis, or people with neurological conditions involving neurons or glia, would be the most relevant candidates for future trials or for donating tissue samples to related research.
Not a fit: People with conditions that do not involve actin-driven cell movement or cytoskeletal dysfunction are unlikely to benefit in the near term.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could produce highly targeted tools or treatments that control cell movement and behavior to limit cancer spread or protect or repair nerve cells.
How similar studies have performed: Photoswitchable compounds and optochemical tools have worked well in cells and animal models to control protein function, but applying them as safe human therapies is still novel and unproven.
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.