Developing methods to understand and compensate for protein mutations
Official title: An effective statistical inference framework to develop innovative compensations for protein mutations
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-11042932 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain changes in proteins can cause problems and how we might fix those problems with other changes, helping us understand genetic disorders better and potentially leading to new treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | September 13, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $243,840 |
| NIH project number | 1R01GM157600-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11042932 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with genetic disorders caused by protein mutations.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to protein mutations or those without identifiable genetic mutations may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how specific mutations in proteins disrupt their normal functions and explores ways to restore these functions through additional mutations. By analyzing extensive protein sequence and structure data, the team employs innovative statistical frameworks to predict which mutations are harmful and how compensatory mutations can mitigate these effects. The project aims to create a comprehensive atlas of protein mutations, providing valuable insights into the relationship between genetic changes and their impact on protein behavior. This work could lead to advancements in treating genetic disorders linked to protein dysfunction.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for correcting genetic mutations that cause diseases, improving patient outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using statistical models to understand protein mutations, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ren, Zhao — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Ren, Zhao
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Elastomeric membranes for safer pelvic organ prolapse repair
A new 3D-printed elastomeric membrane made from polycarbonate urethane is being tested to replace stiff polypropylene meshes for pelvic organ prolapse in women, aiming to reduce complications.
-
Role of hyaluronan in egg development and ovarian reserve
This grant studies how the hyaluronan matrix in the ovary affects the aging of the female reproductive system and the pool of eggs available.
-
Regulatory switches that control imprinting in early human development
This grant studies how certain genes stay “one-copy” active in early development and what goes wrong in assisted reproduction, with a focus on imprinting disorders.
-
Identifying molecular signs of imprinting errors linked to fertility treatments
This grant studies how assisted reproductive technologies may cause imprinting errors in embryos and how these errors relate to certain birth conditions, with implications for families using infertility treatments.
-
Bioadhesive vaginal film for 7-day protection against HIV, HSV, and pregnancy
A vaginal film that slowly releases antibodies to prevent HIV, HSV, and unintended pregnancy for about a week from a single use.
-
Spermatogonial stem cell transplantation and culture in patients
Researchers are testing a way to transplant or grow sperm-producing cells back in boys and men who stored tissue before cancer treatment, to help them have biological children in the future.
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.