How nuclear phosphatases control cell growth and division
The regulation of phosphoprotein phosphatases in the nucleus
This project looks at how two key nuclear enzymes (PP1 and PP2A) remove phosphate tags to keep cell division on track and how that process can go wrong in cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Connecticut Sch of Med/dnt NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Farmington, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11322533 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will study two enzymes, PP1 and PP2A, that remove phosphate tags inside the cell nucleus and help control when cells divide. They will use structural biology, biochemistry, and systems-level mapping of proteins and phosphorylation sites to identify the enzymes' targets and control mechanisms. A focus is on how PP2A's different regulatory subunits (including B55 and B56) and short sequence motifs direct substrate binding and timing of mitotic exit. Most work is lab-based using cell and biochemical models, so it is aimed at discovering mechanisms rather than providing direct patient treatment.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients with cancer who are willing to donate tumor tissue for laboratory research or who may later enroll in trials targeting phosphatase-related pathways would be most relevant.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate therapeutic benefit or those with conditions unrelated to cancer and cell-division defects are unlikely to gain direct benefit from this laboratory-focused project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new molecular targets or strategies for cancer therapies that restore proper control of cell division.
How similar studies have performed: Previous laboratory studies have identified phosphatase subunits and short linear motifs (for example the B56 SLiM) and produced early molecular tools, but moving these findings into effective therapies is still an early-stage effort.
Where this research is happening
Farmington, United States
- University of Connecticut Sch of Med/dnt — Farmington, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Page, Rebecca — University of Connecticut Sch of Med/dnt
- Study coordinator: Page, Rebecca
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.