Using light to track how cells behave in diseases
Orthogonal split luciferases for imaging multiplexed cellular behaviors
This study is working on a new way to use special glowing proteins to see how different cells behave in diseases like cancer and infections, helping scientists understand how treatments work without needing to do any invasive procedures.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R15 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Dickinson College NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Carlisle, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10730660 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on improving bioluminescence imaging (BLI) to better understand how different cells interact in disease states. By using a special light-emitting protein system, researchers aim to visualize the behavior of individual cells without invasive procedures. This technique could help in studying cancer treatments, infections, and stem cell therapies by allowing scientists to see how these cells respond in real-time. The project will involve engineering new protein pairs to enhance the ability to track multiple cell types simultaneously.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with cancers or bacterial infections who may benefit from advanced imaging techniques.
Not a fit: Patients with non-cancerous or non-infectious conditions may not receive direct benefits from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for cancers and infections by providing deeper insights into cellular behaviors.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results using bioluminescence imaging for tracking cellular behaviors, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
Carlisle, United States
- Dickinson College — Carlisle, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rathbun, Colin — Dickinson College
- Study coordinator: Rathbun, Colin
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.