How cells package and send proteins
Unraveling the mammalian secretory pathway through systems biology and algorithm development
Researchers are mapping how cells make and ship proteins that affect conditions like Alzheimer's and certain cancers to help people with those diseases.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11376320 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient's point of view, scientists will combine large biological datasets with new computer algorithms to map which cellular 'machinery' is required to make and move each secreted or membrane protein. They will look at how these processes differ across tissues and use lab tests to check the computer predictions in cells. The work focuses on the secretory pathway that controls hormone release, cell-surface signals, and steps that can lead to amyloid in Alzheimer’s or abnormal proteins in cancer. Results come from systems biology, algorithm development, and experimental validation.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with Alzheimer disease, patients with cancers linked to secreted or membrane proteins, or volunteers willing to provide blood or tissue samples may be eligible to participate or contribute samples.
Not a fit: Patients seeking an immediate change in clinical care or those with conditions unrelated to secreted or membrane protein problems are unlikely to see direct short-term benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify new targets to treat diseases caused by faulty protein secretion, such as Alzheimer’s disease and some cancers.
How similar studies have performed: Related computational and lab-mapping approaches have clarified other cellular pathways before, but applying them to the secretory pathway and converting findings into treatments remains early and exploratory.
Where this research is happening
La Jolla, United States
- University of California, San Diego — La Jolla, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lewis, Nathan Enoch — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Lewis, Nathan Enoch
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.