How cells control protein production during stress in Alzheimer’s and cancer
Mechanisms of translational regulation by the unfolded protein response
This project explores how a cell response to misfolded proteins changes protein production in conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease and cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwestern University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11308319 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From my view as someone affected by these diseases, scientists are studying the cell compartment (the endoplasmic reticulum) where many proteins are folded and how it responds when proteins go wrong. They focus on a molecular sensor called IRE1 that appears to connect directly to the protein-making machinery and will use high-resolution imaging (cryo-EM) plus functional genomics to see what changes. Most work will be done in cells and purified systems to map exactly how translation is regulated at the ER. The team aims to identify specific steps that go awry in diseases linked to protein misfolding.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with Alzheimer’s disease or cancers linked to protein-misfolding pathways would be the kinds of patients most likely to benefit from future treatments informed by this research, although the grant itself appears lab-based rather than recruiting patients.
Not a fit: Patients expecting an immediate new treatment or those with conditions unrelated to ER stress and protein folding are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this laboratory-focused work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new molecular targets that lead to therapies preventing harmful protein misfolding in Alzheimer’s disease and certain cancers.
How similar studies have performed: Prior laboratory studies have connected the unfolded protein response and IRE1 to neurodegeneration and cancer, but translating these molecular insights into proven therapies remains at an early stage.
Where this research is happening
Chicago, United States
- Northwestern University — Chicago, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sangwan, Smriti — Northwestern University
- Study coordinator: Sangwan, Smriti
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.