Helping cells keep proteins properly folded in the endoplasmic reticulum
Official title: Mechanisms regulating ER Proteostasis
Funded at Tufts University Boston · NIH-11492476 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project identifies how cells prevent proteins from misfolding in the ER to help people with diseases like cystic fibrosis and some neurodegenerative conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Tufts University Boston NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2018 |
| Project end | December 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $100,599 |
| NIH project number | 3R01GM127557-08S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11492476 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People with diseases known to involve ER protein misfolding—for example cystic fibrosis or some neurodegenerative disorders—are the types of patients who could ultimately benefit from this work.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to ER protein misfolding or those needing immediate clinical treatment are unlikely to see direct benefit from this laboratory-focused project.
What this research studies
This work looks at a cellular "pre-emptive" quality control system that tunes protein production so misfolded proteins are avoided before they enter the ER. The team will use molecular and cell biology methods, including experiments on ribosome-linked translation, protein tagging, and biochemical assays, to find the specific molecules that activate this process. They will test how boosting this pathway affects the creation and disposal of problematic proteins in lab cell models. Results could point to ways to reduce harmful protein buildup seen in conditions such as cystic fibrosis and certain neurodegenerative diseases.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could lead to new therapies that prevent harmful protein misfolding and reduce disease-causing protein buildup.
How similar studies have gone: Early lab studies have suggested this pre-emptive quality control exists, but identifying the specific molecular regulators is a relatively new and largely untested area.
Where this research is happening
-
Tufts University Boston
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Raman, Malavika — Tufts University Boston
- Study coordinator: Raman, Malavika
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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.