How cells decide which surface proteins to move or remove
Mechanisms of alpha-arrestin-mediated protein trafficking
Researchers are uncovering how cells pick which surface proteins to relocate or destroy to help inform treatments for heart, brain, and metabolic conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11314491 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project looks at a class of proteins called alpha-arrestins that help cells sort and remove other proteins from their surface. The lab uses baker's yeast as a simple model system along with genetic, biochemical, and cell biology experiments to see how alpha-arrestins recognize cargo and respond to signals. By mapping which trafficking pathways and signals control alpha-arrestin activity, researchers hope to connect basic cell behavior to problems seen in human heart, neurodegenerative, and metabolic diseases. Findings in yeast will guide follow-up work aimed at similar proteins in human cells.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This is laboratory research that does not enroll patients now, but people with heart, neurodegenerative, or metabolic conditions could benefit from downstream therapies informed by this work.
Not a fit: Patients looking for immediate treatments or clinical trial enrollment will not receive direct benefit from this basic lab research at this time.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could point to new molecular targets for therapies that fix faulty protein trafficking in cardiovascular and related diseases.
How similar studies have performed: Prior studies in yeast and other cells have shown alpha-arrestins control selective endocytosis, but applying that knowledge to human disease mechanisms is still early and exploratory.
Where this research is happening
Pittsburgh, United States
- University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh — Pittsburgh, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: O'donnell, Allyson F. — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: O'donnell, Allyson F.
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.