How methyl tags control proteins in cells
Regulation of non-histone protein function by lysine methylation
This work looks at how tiny chemical tags called methyl groups on proteins change cell behavior, which could help people with brain development problems and sleep/circadian disorders.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Indiana University Indianapolis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Indianapolis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11176949 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
The team is mapping where methyl groups attach to thousands of non-histone proteins and learning how those tags change protein function in cells. They use a functional proteomics platform and high-resolution mass spectrometry to identify modified proteins and the enzymes that add or remove the tags. The projects concentrate on molecules that regulate the body's circadian clock and on processes involved in neuronal differentiation. Together these experiments aim to define the full 'lysine methylome' and link changes in methylation to cellular processes and disease.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with inherited or acquired neurological development disorders, sleep or circadian rhythm disorders, or conditions linked to abnormal protein methylation would be most relevant to this research.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate treatments or those with conditions unrelated to protein methylation (for example, many purely cardiovascular conditions) are unlikely to gain direct benefit from this basic laboratory research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new biochemical targets that help develop therapies for neurological and circadian-related disorders.
How similar studies have performed: Prior studies have shown methylation controls specific proteins such as PER2 and the investigators' earlier method development supports this approach, but comprehensive mapping of non-histone lysine methylation remains a relatively new area.
Where this research is happening
Indianapolis, United States
- Indiana University Indianapolis — Indianapolis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cornett, Evan Mitchell — Indiana University Indianapolis
- Study coordinator: Cornett, Evan Mitchell
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.