Helping the body make and fold collagen correctly
Collagen Proteostasis in Health and Disease
Researchers are developing ways to fix cellular errors in collagen production to help people with collagen-related diseases that weaken bone, skin, cartilage, and other tissues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts Institute of Technology NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cambridge, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11182727 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project studies how cells synthesize, fold, assemble, and quality-control collagen, the main structural protein in many tissues. Scientists will use laboratory cell systems and animal models to track where collagen production breaks down and which molecular pathways can restore normal folding. The team will test interventions that boost cellular quality-control systems or correct specific folding defects. The goal is to move promising approaches toward treatments that reduce tissue fragility in collagen disorders.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with inherited or acquired collagen disorders—such as some forms of brittle-bone disease, cartilage problems, or certain skin and basement membrane conditions—would be the most likely candidates for future trials stemming from this work.
Not a fit: Patients whose conditions are unrelated to collagen defects or whose damage is primarily from aging or non-collagen causes may not benefit from these specific approaches.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to therapies that address the root cause of collagen diseases, reducing tissue damage and improving strength and function.
How similar studies have performed: Some laboratory and animal studies suggest molecular chaperones and quality-control strategies can help misfolded collagen, but disease-modifying treatments for human collagenopathies remain largely unproven.
Where this research is happening
Cambridge, United States
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology — Cambridge, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shoulders, Matthew Donald — Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- Study coordinator: Shoulders, Matthew Donald
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 below.