Defining multifunctional roles for proteins in development and disease
Funded at University of Wyoming · NIH-11385324 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A research project at the University of Wyoming uses fruit-fly biology and high-resolution imaging to understand how certain human disease-related proteins work in development and how they could inform new therapies.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Wyoming NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Laramie, United States) |
| Project start | August 9, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $361,250 |
| NIH project number | 5R35GM155195-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11385324 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are patients with developmental disorders linked to ASPM or related proteins, including microcephaly and certain cancers or infertility conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without diseases related to the studied proteins may not directly benefit from this work.
What this research studies
This project investigates how proteins, including the human ASPM gene linked to microcephaly, function in development and disease using Drosophila as a model and advanced imaging. The team will combine genetic techniques with microcomputed tomography to reveal secondary roles of these proteins in stem cell behavior, tissue size, and tissue architecture. By exploring Notch signaling and other pathways, the work aims to map how protein functions translate to human health impacts, potentially guiding future therapeutic approaches.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could clarify how key proteins influence tissue growth and development, informing strategies for treating certain developmental disorders and related diseases.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work in model organisms and imaging has established foundational links between protein function and development; this project builds on that with a broader view in a model system.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Wyoming
Laramie, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Schoborg, Todd — University of Wyoming
- Study coordinator: Schoborg, Todd
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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.