How Cells Sort and Remove Unwanted Proteins
Ubiquitin-dependent sorting in endosomes and the TGN
This work helps us understand how our cells manage and get rid of proteins that are no longer needed or are damaged, a process vital for preventing many health problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Iowa NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Iowa City, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11115792 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Our bodies rely on proteins embedded in cell membranes to perform countless tasks, and keeping these proteins healthy and in the right amounts is crucial. When proteins become damaged or are no longer needed, cells have a special way to mark them for removal using a small tag called ubiquitin. This tag acts like a signal, guiding the unwanted proteins to specific cellular compartments, like lysosomes, where they are broken down and recycled. Understanding this precise sorting and removal system is key because problems with it can contribute to a wide range of human diseases.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This basic science work does not directly involve patient participation at this stage, but future clinical applications could benefit patients with diseases linked to protein degradation issues.
Not a fit: Patients whose conditions are not related to the cellular processes of ubiquitin-dependent protein sorting and degradation would likely not see direct benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this fundamental understanding could pave the way for new treatments that target the cellular machinery responsible for clearing out problematic proteins, potentially helping with diseases caused by protein buildup or malfunction.
How similar studies have performed: Research into ubiquitin's role in protein degradation is a well-established field, and this work builds upon existing knowledge to explore specific sorting mechanisms within cells.
Where this research is happening
Iowa City, United States
- University of Iowa — Iowa City, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Piper, Robert C — University of Iowa
- Study coordinator: Piper, Robert C
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.