Copper's Role in Body Health
Nutritional Cu Signaling and Homeostasis
This project explores how our bodies manage copper, an essential nutrient, to maintain overall health and function.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Berkeley NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Berkeley, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11139641 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project looks at how our bodies handle copper, a vital nutrient needed for many basic functions like breathing and energy production. When copper levels are low, our cells have clever ways to reuse it for the most important jobs, ensuring critical processes continue. Researchers are studying the detailed steps of how cells sense low copper and then efficiently reallocate it. This work builds on discoveries made in simple organisms, which often share similar fundamental processes with humans, providing insights into human health.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational laboratory research does not directly involve patient participation at this stage.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate new treatments or direct clinical care would not benefit from this basic science project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Understanding how cells manage copper could lead to new ways to help people with copper deficiencies or related health problems.
How similar studies have performed: Previous work using model organisms has successfully identified key mechanisms for copper management, providing a strong foundation for this project.
Where this research is happening
Berkeley, United States
- University of California Berkeley — Berkeley, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Merchant, Sabeeha — University of California Berkeley
- Study coordinator: Merchant, Sabeeha
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.