# Investigating the regulation of PI(3,4)P2 in migrating cells

> **NIH NIH R15** · AMHERST COLLEGE · 2021 · $411,565

## Abstract

Project Summary/Abstract
This proposal seeks to elucidate the mechanism of PI(3,4)P2's role in migration.
Phosphatidylinositols serve as critical mediators of cellular signaling. PI(3,4)P2 has
emerged as a critical regulator of cell migration. It has recently been proposed that a
mutually inhibitory feedback loop between Ras and PI(3,4)P2 regulates the dynamic
extension and retraction of cellular protrusions. This proposal will elucidate the
mechanism by which Ras regulates PI(3,4)P2 and establish PI(3,4)P2 as a bona fide
regulator of Ras-dependent leading-edge dynamics. We will also provide insight into the
regulation of PI(3,4)P2 in migrating cells by investigating the hypothesis that class PI-
3kinase PIKF regulates the biosynthesis of PI(3,4)P2 in Dictyostelium. Our work will
also demonstrate that PIKF's role in migration is attributable to its ability to synthesize
PI(3,4)P2. This work will provide significant insight into the feedback loops that
regulate Ras-dependent activity. The molecular tools generated by this work will be
instrumental in the pursuit of our long-term goals of elucidating the structure of the
signaling networks that control migration. Phosphoinositide signaling plays an integral
role in cellular signaling and the pathophysiology of numerous diseases. Therefore, this
work is immediately relevant to our understanding of disease and the mission of the
National Institutes of Health. Our proposed studies will provide undergraduate students
with the opportunity to engage in rigorous and impactful science and will bolster the
already robust research environment at Amherst College.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10291836
- **Project number:** 1R15GM143733-01
- **Recipient organization:** AMHERST COLLEGE
- **Principal Investigator:** Marc Edwards
- **Activity code:** R15 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $411,565
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2021-07-01 → 2025-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10291836

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10291836, Investigating the regulation of PI(3,4)P2 in migrating cells (1R15GM143733-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-25 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10291836. Licensed CC0.

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