How cells clear proteins to control cancer cell division
Proteostasis signaling in cell cycle control
This work looks at how the cell's protein disposal system controls cell division with the aim of helping people with cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chapel Hill, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11324552 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From your perspective, researchers are examining how proteins are tagged and removed inside cancer cells to control when cells divide. The team is identifying the enzymes that add or remove ubiquitin (E3 ligases and deubiquitinases) and mapping which proteins those enzymes act on. They use biochemical assays, cell-based models, and molecular tools to follow protein lifecycles and see how changes affect genome stability and proliferation. Results will point to specific protein-degradation steps that could be targeted by future therapies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients with cancer, especially those whose tumors show signs of disrupted protein-degradation or cell-cycle control, may be asked to provide tumor samples or be eligible for future trials based on this work.
Not a fit: Because this is laboratory-focused basic research, people seeking immediate treatment changes are unlikely to benefit right now, and people without cancer would not be affected.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could point to new ways to stop uncontrolled tumor growth by targeting the enzymes that regulate protein removal.
How similar studies have performed: Broad proteasome inhibitors have helped some blood cancers, but targeting specific ubiquitin enzymes is a newer and less-tested approach in patients.
Where this research is happening
Chapel Hill, United States
- Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill — Chapel Hill, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Emanuele, Michael James — Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
- Study coordinator: Emanuele, Michael James
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.