How human cells control protein production

Mechanisms of Translation Control in Humans

NIH-funded research University of California Berkeley · NIH-11290728

This project looks at how human cells, including immune T cells, control when and how specific proteins are made, focusing on a key factor called eIF3.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of California Berkeley NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Berkeley, United States)
Project IDNIH-11290728 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

If you take part indirectly, researchers will study how the protein-making machinery in your cells is turned on and off, with special attention to a factor called eIF3. They will use molecular biology and structural imaging to see how eIF3 and other proteins interact with specific RNA pieces to start and steer protein production. The team will also examine these processes in activated T cells to learn how immune cells change what proteins they make. Results aim to reveal basic steps that could later be targeted to fix diseases caused by faulty protein production.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Adults willing to provide blood or tissue samples, especially people with immune-related conditions, would be the best match to contribute to this research.

Not a fit: People looking for immediate clinical treatment changes or those without immune or protein-production related conditions are unlikely to benefit directly from this basic-lab research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify new targets for treatments that correct abnormal protein production in immune disorders and other diseases.

How similar studies have performed: Related molecular and structural studies have uncovered roles for translation factors and led to potential drug targets, but applying these findings to new human therapies is still early and experimental.

Where this research is happening

Berkeley, 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 2026-06-09 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.