How changing protein shapes affect cell health and antibiotic resistance
Official title: Function and Pathway outcomes of Dynamic Protein Structures
Funded at Miami University Oxford · NIH-11235835 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are looking at how the way proteins bend and move controls cell processes tied to cancers, some neurodegenerative conditions, and bacterial resistance to antibiotics.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Miami University Oxford NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Oxford, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2018 |
| Project end | November 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $343,087 |
| NIH project number | 5R35GM128595-08 |
| Project ID | NIH-11235835 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People affected by neurodegenerative diseases, inherited ataxias, certain cancers linked to protein control problems, or those concerned about antibiotic-resistant infections are most connected to this research.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to protein misfolding or bacterial antibiotic resistance are unlikely to see direct benefit from this specific work.
What this research studies
You would hear that the team studies how proteins change shape and move inside cells using lab experiments that track interactions and dynamics at the molecular level. They focus on a protein quality-control system (CHIP and Hsp70) that helps decide whether damaged proteins get repaired or destroyed, which matters for disorders like ataxia and some neurodegenerations. They also study bacterial enzymes (beta-lactamases) to understand how structural changes let bacteria resist antibiotics. Most work uses biochemical and biophysical methods in the lab rather than testing treatments in people right now.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to help cells clear harmful misfolded proteins or to make antibiotics more effective against resistant bacteria.
How similar studies have gone: Related laboratory studies have shown that protein shape and chaperone systems matter for cell health and enzyme activity, but turning those findings into treatments is still early-stage.
Where this research is happening
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Miami University Oxford
Oxford, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Page, Richard C — Miami University Oxford
- Study coordinator: Page, Richard 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.