Award
National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering 5R01EB037456-02
A molecular toolbox for thermal control of programmed cell death in animals
Recipient
University of Pennsylvania
Award Amount
$623,597.00
Ceiling
$623,597.00
Awarded
January 26, 2026
Identifier
5R01EB037456-02
This award funds the development of a molecular toolbox to control programmed cell death in animals using temperature stimuli, aiming to advance cancer therapy and fundamental research.
Description
The objective of this proposal is to develop a molecular toolbox for non-invasive methods to kill cells in situ via specific cell death pathways using safe, penetrant, and tunable temperature stimuli. This technology aims to enable systematic interrogation of programmed cell death pathways such as apoptosis, necroptosis, and pyroptosis, and harness immunogenic cell death for cancer therapy. The project involves generating protein constructs that trigger cell death upon temperature modulation, validating their efficacy in mouse models, and developing proteins that induce cell death with gentle heating. Success will open new avenues for fundamental discovery and therapeutic translation, including remote control of cell and molecular events in living mammals.