Exploring small proteins produced during inflammation

Identification and characterization of small open reading frames translated during inflammation

NIH-funded research University of California Santa Cruz · NIH-10915440

This study is looking at tiny proteins made by immune cells called macrophages during inflammation to see how they help start and stop the body's response to injury or infection, using advanced technology to better understand their role.

Quick facts

Grant typeFellowship grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of California Santa Cruz NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Santa Cruz, United States)
Project IDNIH-10915440 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the role of small open reading frames (sORFs) that are translated into peptides during inflammatory responses. By utilizing advanced sequencing technologies, the study aims to identify and characterize these peptides, which may play significant roles in biological processes such as inflammation and cell viability. The research focuses on macrophages, key immune cells involved in inflammation, to understand how these small proteins contribute to both initiating and resolving inflammatory responses. The methodology includes CRISPR-based techniques to manipulate and study the effects of these peptides in cellular models.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with conditions associated with chronic inflammation, such as autoimmune diseases or chronic infections.

Not a fit: Patients with acute inflammatory conditions that do not involve the mechanisms being studied may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new insights into the mechanisms of inflammation and potential therapeutic targets for inflammatory diseases.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promising results in understanding the roles of small peptides in inflammation, indicating that this approach has potential for significant findings.

Where this research is happening

Santa Cruz, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.