How cells build and check the proteasome, the protein-recycling machine
Mechanisms of Chaperone-Mediated Control in the Assembly of the Proteasome
Researchers are figuring out how cells assemble and quality-check the proteasome, the machine that clears damaged proteins, to help people with Alzheimer's disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Colorado NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boulder, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11324281 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From your perspective, the team is studying molecular 'helpers' called chaperones that guide assembly of the proteasome using lab experiments in cells and biochemical tests. They will map the step-by-step assembly process and how chaperones block or mark steps to ensure only correctly built proteasomes are made. The researchers will test how assembly mistakes affect the cell's ability to remove misfolded proteins linked to Alzheimer's. This is laboratory research conducted at a university and does not enroll patients, but it could point to future treatments that improve protein clearance.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with Alzheimer's disease or mild cognitive impairment would be the likely future candidates for treatments arising from this work, although the grant itself conducts lab research rather than enrolling participants.
Not a fit: Patients with unrelated medical conditions or those in very advanced stages of dementia are unlikely to see direct benefits from this basic science project in the short term.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify new targets to boost removal of toxic proteins and slow Alzheimer's progression.
How similar studies have performed: Prior research links proteasome dysfunction to neurodegeneration, but targeting chaperone-mediated proteasome assembly is a newer approach with limited direct clinical testing so far.
Where this research is happening
Boulder, UNITED STATES
- University of Colorado — Boulder, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Park, Soyeon — University of Colorado
- Study coordinator: Park, Soyeon
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.