Why dying cells show 'eat-me' signals
Structural basis of apoptotic scrambling
Scientists are figuring out how specific proteins make dying cells flip a fat molecule to their surface so immune cells can recognize and remove them, which could matter for autoimmune disease and cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11239806 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will examine proteins called XKR that help move a lipid called phosphatidylserine to the outside of dying cells, a key signal for immune clearance. They will solve high-resolution 3D structures of human and worm XKR proteins using cryogenic electron microscopy and combine those images with biochemical tests of protein activity. Experiments will use purified human proteins and a model organism (C. elegans) to link structural features to the proteins' ability to scramble lipids. The goal is to understand how XKR proteins are turned on or off and how their dysfunction leads to inflammation, autoimmunity, or helps viruses and cancers.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with autoimmune conditions or chronic inflammatory diseases thought to involve poor clearance of dying cells (for example systemic lupus erythematosus) would be most relevant to this line of research.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate treatments or those with conditions unrelated to cell-clearance mechanisms are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this laboratory-focused project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could point to new ways to reduce inflammation in autoimmune disease or block processes cancers and some viruses exploit.
How similar studies have performed: Related structural and biochemical studies of membrane proteins have clarified mechanisms before, but obtaining functional, high-resolution structures of XKR family scramblases is relatively new and not yet well established.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Accardi, Alessio — Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ
- Study coordinator: Accardi, Alessio
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.