Using protein clusters to understand and control cells
Harnessing protein clustering to understand, identify, and manipulate cellular systems
This work develops new tools that use how proteins group together inside cells to better understand and potentially treat conditions like cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11012084 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Our cells rely on proteins clustering together for many important functions, and this process can go wrong in diseases. This project creates new technologies that can precisely control how proteins cluster using light. By developing these tools, we aim to gain a deeper understanding of cell processes and create new ways to manipulate cells. This could lead to innovative approaches for treating various diseases, including cancers.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational work is not directly recruiting patients but aims to develop tools that could eventually benefit patients with various cellular diseases, including cancers.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate clinical trials or direct treatment options would not find direct benefit from this early-stage technology development.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new methods for understanding and controlling cell behavior, potentially opening doors for novel therapies for diseases like cancer.
How similar studies have performed: While optogenetic clustering probes have shown utility, this project aims to develop new and improved tools with different properties and broader applications.
Where this research is happening
Philadelphia, United States
- University of Pennsylvania — Philadelphia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bugaj, Lukasz — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Bugaj, Lukasz
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.