A newly found protein that helps the cell's protein-making center work
Uncovering novel players in nucleolar organization and function
Researchers are looking at how a protein called ZNF692 that keeps the nucleolus organized might affect conditions like Alzheimer's disease and certain cancers.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ut Southwestern Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Dallas, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11376282 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
The team will focus on a nucleolar protein named ZNF692 that appears necessary for normal ribosome production and nucleolar structure. In lab-grown cells they will reduce or alter ZNF692 to see how nucleoli change and how protein synthesis is affected. They will map which parts of ZNF692 are required for its function and identify the other proteins and RNAs it binds. These experiments use cellular and biochemical methods to connect basic nucleolar biology to processes linked with neurodegeneration and cancer.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People living with Alzheimer's disease or certain cancers who are interested in contributing tissue samples or joining future related studies would be the most relevant candidates.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate symptom relief or direct treatment are unlikely to benefit directly from this basic laboratory research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new molecular targets that might eventually lead to therapies to protect neurons or limit cancer cell growth by restoring nucleolar function.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has linked nucleolar changes to cancer and neurodegeneration, but targeting or characterizing a novel factor like ZNF692 is largely new and untested.
Where this research is happening
Dallas, United States
- Ut Southwestern Medical Center — Dallas, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Conacci-Sorrell, Maralice — Ut Southwestern Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Conacci-Sorrell, Maralice
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.