Exploring how proteins are recycled in cells to improve health
Official title: Understanding and Engineering Chemically Activated Ubiquitin Ligases
Funded at Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ · NIH-10933438 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how our cells break down and recycle proteins, which could help find new ways to treat diseases like cancer and conditions that affect the brain, so patients can have better treatment options in the future.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Blacksburg, United States) |
| Project start | September 22, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $368,098 |
| NIH project number | 5R35GM150856-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10933438 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals affected by cancers, neurodegenerative diseases, or metabolic disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to protein degradation or those not affected by the diseases being studied may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding and engineering the ubiquitin-proteasome system, which is essential for protein degradation in cells. By investigating how this system marks proteins for recycling and breaks them down, the research aims to uncover new methods to treat diseases like cancer and neurodegenerative disorders. The approach involves studying the mechanisms of protein signaling and degradation, which could lead to innovative therapies. Patients may benefit from advancements in treatments that target these critical biological processes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for various diseases linked to protein degradation dysfunction.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in targeting the ubiquitin-proteasome system for therapeutic interventions, indicating a promising avenue for further exploration.
Where this research is happening
-
Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ
Blacksburg, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wright, Robert Clay — Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ
- Study coordinator: Wright, Robert Clay
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.