How cells respond to stress from damaged ribosomes

Molecular mechanisms of ZAK- and GCN2-mediated signaling in response to ribotoxic stress

NIH-funded research Johns Hopkins University · NIH-10900612

This study is looking at how cells handle stress when their protein-making machines get damaged, especially from things like UV light, and it focuses on two important proteins that help the cells respond, which could help us understand how to keep cells healthy or how they might die.

Quick facts

Grant typeCareer grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionJohns Hopkins University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Baltimore, United States)
Project IDNIH-10900612 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the cellular mechanisms that allow cells to detect and respond to stress caused by damaged ribosomes, particularly in the context of exposure to ultraviolet radiation and reactive oxygen species. The study focuses on two key proteins, ZAK and GCN2, which are activated when ribosomes stall due to RNA damage. By using advanced techniques like phosphoproteomics, the researchers aim to create a detailed map of the signaling events that occur in response to this stress, ultimately helping to understand how these processes influence cell survival or death.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with conditions that involve cellular stress responses, such as cancer or other diseases characterized by ribosomal dysfunction.

Not a fit: Patients with conditions unrelated to ribosomal stress or those who do not exhibit cellular response issues may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for protecting cells from stress-related damage, potentially improving treatments for conditions like cancer.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding cellular stress responses, indicating that this approach has potential for significant advancements.

Where this research is happening

Baltimore, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.