# Merocytochalasans, Photocytochalasans and the Optical Control of the Actin Cytoskeleton

> **NIH NIH R01** · NEW YORK UNIVERSITY · 2020 · $25,000

## Abstract

Abstract
The light-dependent modulation of cytoskeletal proteins, such as tubulin and actin, with
photoswitchable ligands is a powerful approach to controlling cellular functions and could
lead to a new class of cancer chemotherapeutics. The parent project describes
approaches for developing photoswitchable inhibitors, with which to manipulate actin
dynamics. A challenge with this approach is that these interactions involve proteins that
have a high tendency to polymerize and are difficult to measure with conventional
methods, especially when irradiation is involved. A new approach is, therefore, required
for rational design of photoswitchable inhibitors and nucleators. In this Administrative
Supplement, we request funding to purchase a Microscale Thermophoresis instrument to
characterize photoswitchable ligand binding interactions before and after irradiation. The
system would significantly enhance our ability to address the specific goals in the parent
grant and enhance impact of several projects at NYU. Funds for the purchase of this
equipment were not requested in the original submission because MST’s improved
capabilities for protein-ligand complex characterization were not anticipated.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10135250
- **Project number:** 3R01GM126228-03S1
- **Recipient organization:** NEW YORK UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** DIRK HARTWIG TRAUNER
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $25,000
- **Award type:** 3
- **Project period:** 2018-08-01 → 2022-04-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10135250

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10135250, Merocytochalasans, Photocytochalasans and the Optical Control of the Actin Cytoskeleton (3R01GM126228-03S1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10135250. Licensed CC0.

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