How a protein helps fold insulin-like growth factors
Official title: Mechanism by which the Grp94 molecular chaperone folds insulin-like growth factors
Funded at Brandeis University · NIH-11085796 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a special helper protein called Grp94 works with another helper protein, BiP, to make sure insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) are properly prepared and released in the body, which is important for their function.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Brandeis University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Waltham, United States) |
| Project start | May 15, 2025 |
| Project end | February 28, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $433,342 |
| NIH project number | 1R35GM157973-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11085796 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients with conditions influenced by insulin-like growth factors, particularly those with cancer.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have any conditions related to insulin-like growth factors or cancer may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of the Grp94 molecular chaperone in the proper folding and secretion of insulin-like growth factors (IGFs). It explores how Grp94 interacts with another chaperone, BiP, to determine whether IGFs should be transferred for further processing or retained. By understanding this mechanism, the research aims to uncover the conditions that facilitate the transfer of IGFs from BiP to Grp94, which is crucial for their proper function. The study employs biophysical techniques to analyze the interactions and conformational changes involved in this process.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved therapies for conditions related to insulin-like growth factors, including certain cancers.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding protein folding mechanisms, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Brandeis University
Waltham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Street, Timothy Oliver — Brandeis University
- Study coordinator: Street, Timothy Oliver
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Unwinding SNAP aid and its effect on healthcare and disparities
A large study will look at how cutting back food assistance like SNAP changes healthcare use and outcomes, especially for people with differing levels of food insecurity.
-
Roles of Recycling Endosomes in Neuronal EV Cargo Traffic
A scientist at Brandeis University is studying how brain cells control the tiny vesicles they release, which may affect memory loss in Alzheimer’s disease.
-
Sulfur-stabilized HIV glycoconjugates to help create powerful bnAbs
Researchers are testing sugar-coated HIV vaccine components in animals to see if they can better trigger broadly-protective antibodies.
-
Cycling Molecular Assemblies to Target Golgi Traffic in Cancer Cells
A novel, first-of-its-kind approach uses tiny, self-organizing molecular structures to selectively disrupt Golgi trafficking in cancer cells, aiming to influence how cancer cells grow and respond to signals.
-
How low oxygen and genetic tweaks may repair mitochondrial problems linked to Alzheimer’s and other disorders
A Johns Hopkins-style? (Note: institution specified later) patient-facing overview: researchers will study tiny cell power stations in mitochondria to see if low-oxygen conditions and specific genetic changes can fix problems associated with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias.
-
Synthesis of thioaminoketal antimicrobial peptides and how they work
Researchers are developing new antimicrobial peptides called sactipeptides and figuring out precisely how they kill bacteria.
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.