A new resource of tagged secretome proteins in a nematode model
Official title: Illuminating the secretome: a protein tagging resource
Funded at University of California Santa Cruz · NIH-11335836 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Scientists will build a library of C. elegans strains with endogenously tagged secreted proteins to map where they go in the body, helping us understand diseases related to protein signals.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Santa Cruz NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Santa Cruz, United States) |
| Project start | June 15, 2026 |
| Project end | April 30, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $790,502 |
| NIH project number | 1R24OD038113-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11335836 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Not applicable at this stage; future work may involve researchers studying human diseases related to secreted proteins.
✕Less likely to help
Early-phase research does not involve direct patient participation.
What this research studies
This project will create hundreds of genetically modified C. elegans lines where secreted proteins are tagged endogenously, allowing precise visualization of where these proteins travel in living organisms. By focusing on secretome proteins linked to human disease, aging, and proteostasis, researchers can see real in vivo patterns without altering normal protein levels. The resource will enable consistent, reproducible studies across labs, accelerating discovery of biomarkers and potential drug targets. The work relies on established gene-editing approaches to avoid overexpression and ensure stable lines for long-term studies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients may benefit later from new biomarkers and drug targets identified through a comprehensive map of secreted proteins.
How similar studies have gone: Previous secretome tagging efforts show that endogenously tagged proteins yield reliable localization patterns in vivo.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ward, Jordan David — University of California Santa Cruz
- Study coordinator: Ward, Jordan David
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.