How arginyl‑tRNA tags proteins to control their lifetimes
Arginyl-tRNA beyond translation: mechanism and regulation of protein arginylation
This work looks at how cells attach arginine from tRNA onto proteins to control their breakdown, with relevance for cancers and some neurodegenerative diseases.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Case Western Reserve University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cleveland, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11144385 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers aim to figure out how the enzyme ATE1 uses arginyl‑tRNA to add arginine to specific proteins by combining protein-structure studies, biochemical experiments, and cell-based tests. They will study purified proteins and apply biophysical tools to see how ATE1 selects the right tRNA and the right sites on target proteins. In cultured cells they will map which proteins are arginylated and measure how that tagging changes protein turnover, stress responses, and pathways tied to aging. The goal is to link the basic chemistry of arginylation to processes known to be altered in cancers and Parkinson’s disease.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People affected by cancers mentioned in the grant (for example prostate, liver, or skin cancer) or by Parkinson’s disease could be relevant as future sample donors or eventual therapy candidates.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate treatment or those without cancer or neurodegenerative conditions are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this laboratory-focused research now.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new molecular targets to control protein breakdown and inspire future therapies for cancers and neurodegenerative disorders.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown arginylation occurs on many proteins and affects cell processes, but the detailed enzyme mechanism and regulation remain largely uncharacterized.
Where this research is happening
Cleveland, United States
- Case Western Reserve University — Cleveland, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhang, Yi — Case Western Reserve University
- Study coordinator: Zhang, Yi
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.