How genetic differences change cell stress and protein folding
Investigating the impact of genetic variation on the ER stress response, protein folding, and disease
This project looks at how genetic differences change the way cells handle protein-folding stress and how that can affect disease risk.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Salt Lake City, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11168962 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient point of view, this work explores why some people's cells cope better with damaged or misfolded proteins. The team examines genetic variants that affect the endoplasmic reticulum (the cell compartment that folds proteins) and measures how those variants alter cellular stress responses and protein quality control. They use laboratory experiments with cells and genetic analyses to connect specific variants to breakdowns in folding processes and disease-related pathways. The goal is to explain why certain people develop disorders linked to protein misfolding while others do not.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with conditions tied to protein misfolding or ER stress—such as some neurodegenerative diseases, certain inherited metabolic disorders, or unexplained genetic syndromes—would be most relevant for future related studies.
Not a fit: Patients whose conditions are unrelated to protein folding or ER stress are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new targets for treatments or ways to predict who is at higher risk for diseases caused by protein misfolding.
How similar studies have performed: Prior research has connected ER stress and protein misfolding to multiple diseases, but using genetic variation to predict individual outcomes or treatment targets remains an emerging area.
Where this research is happening
Salt Lake City, United States
- Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah — Salt Lake City, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chow, Clement — Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah
- Study coordinator: Chow, Clement
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.