How certain proteins shape development and contribute to disease
Official title: Defining multifunctional roles for proteins in development and disease
Funded at University of Wyoming · NIH-11162372 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are using fruit flies and advanced imaging to learn how a protein linked to microcephaly, some cancers, and infertility works so people with these conditions might benefit from better-targeted treatments in the future.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Wyoming NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Laramie, United States) |
| Project start | August 9, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $361,250 |
| NIH project number | 5R35GM155195-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11162372 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People with genetic conditions linked to ASPM (for example certain forms of microcephaly, or research-connected cancer or infertility cases) would be the most directly relevant patient group for follow-up studies or future trials.
✕Less likely to help
Patients whose conditions are unrelated to ASPM or similar protein dysfunctions are unlikely to see direct benefit from these specific findings in the near term.
What this research studies
The lab uses the fruit fly Drosophila and powerful genetic tools combined with high-resolution micro-CT and other imaging to trace what proteins do in developing tissues. They focus on the fly protein Asp, whose human counterpart ASPM is tied to microcephaly, cancer, and infertility, to find extra or 'secondary' roles the protein plays. Experiments will look at effects on stem cell behavior, tissue size, tissue architecture, and interactions with signaling pathways like Notch. Results are intended to give clearer cellular explanations that could guide later therapeutic approaches.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could clarify how defects in proteins like ASPM cause disease and point to new targets for treatments or diagnostics.
How similar studies have gone: Basic research using Drosophila genetics and high-resolution imaging has previously revealed important gene functions, but applying these methods specifically to uncover ASPM's secondary roles is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Wyoming
Laramie, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Schoborg, Todd — University of Wyoming
- Study coordinator: Schoborg, Todd
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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.