Exploring how a specific protein affects sugar modifications in cells related to Alzheimer's disease
Official title: Understanding the mechanism of adaptor protein engagement by OGT and its functional effects on glycosylation
Funded at St. Olaf College · NIH-10513912 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a protein called OGT helps attach sugar molecules to other proteins, which is important for how our cells work, and it's especially focused on understanding how this process might affect diseases like Alzheimer's and cancer, with the hope of finding new ways to treat patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R15 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | St. Olaf College NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Northfield, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2022 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2022 |
| Award (this year) | $321,331 |
| NIH project number | 1R15GM147888-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10513912 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or related dementias.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other forms of dementia not related to Alzheimer's or those without cognitive impairments may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of a protein called O-GlcNAc transferase (OGT) in modifying other proteins with sugar molecules, which is crucial for various cellular functions. The study aims to understand how OGT selects its protein targets and how this selection impacts diseases like Alzheimer's and cancer. By examining the mechanisms of OGT's interactions with adaptor proteins, the research seeks to uncover potential therapeutic strategies to regulate these modifications, which could lead to better treatments for patients. The approach involves detailed biochemical assays and analysis of protein interactions in cellular environments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for treating Alzheimer's disease and other conditions linked to protein misregulation.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding protein modifications and their implications in diseases, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
St. Olaf College
Northfield, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Joiner, Cassandra Marie — St. Olaf College
- Study coordinator: Joiner, Cassandra Marie
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How OGT and adaptor proteins control which proteins get sugar tags
This project looks at how the enzyme OGT and its partner adaptor proteins decide which proteins receive a sugar modification, with relevance for conditions like cancer and neurodegeneration.
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Investigating how a specific protein interacts with others to affect sugar modifications in cells
This study is looking at how a special enzyme called OGT adds sugar molecules to proteins, which is important for keeping our cells healthy, and it hopes to find new ways to help treat diseases like Alzheimer's and cancer where this process goes wrong.
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.