How cells manage protein movement and balance
Mechanisms of alpha-arrestin-mediated protein trafficking
This study looks at how certain proteins in our cells help them adjust to changes in their surroundings, which is important for keeping everything balanced, and it could help us understand diseases related to problems with these proteins, like heart and brain 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-11011531 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how cells reorganize their membrane proteins to adapt to changing environments and maintain balance. It focuses on a specific class of protein trafficking adaptors called alpha-arrestins, which play a crucial role in deciding whether to relocalize or degrade membrane proteins. By understanding the mechanisms behind alpha-arrestin function and their interactions with various cargo proteins, the research aims to uncover how these processes are regulated by cell signaling. This knowledge could lead to insights into diseases linked to protein trafficking defects, such as cardiovascular and neurodegenerative disorders.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals affected by cardiovascular diseases or neurodegenerative disorders related to protein trafficking issues.
Not a fit: Patients with conditions unrelated to protein trafficking or those not experiencing cardiovascular or neurodegenerative diseases may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for treating diseases caused by protein trafficking defects.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding protein trafficking mechanisms, but the specific focus on alpha-arrestins is relatively novel.
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.