How parts of the OGT enzyme control protein changes linked to cancer and metabolism
Beyond the Active Site: Structure Informed Novel Regulatory Mechanisms and Functional Modulation of O-GlcNAc Transferase
Researchers are learning how the OGT enzyme changes other proteins in ways that can affect cancer and metabolic health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Wisconsin-Madison NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Madison, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11181296 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This work uses specialized chemical probes and structural techniques to map where and how OGT binds other proteins beyond its active site. The team combines biochemical tests, proteomics, and structural studies to identify weak or transient interactions and modification sites. Much of the work is done in laboratory cell models and with purified human proteins to mimic disease-related changes. The goal is to reveal regulatory mechanisms that drive altered cell behavior in cancer and metabolic conditions.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients with cancers or metabolic conditions (like diabetes) who are interested in contributing tissue or blood samples for basic research would be relevant candidates to follow or support this work.
Not a fit: People seeking immediate treatment or direct clinical benefits from participation are unlikely to benefit directly, as this is laboratory-focused basic research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could point to new drug targets or biomarkers for cancers and metabolic diseases driven by abnormal OGT activity.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have clarified OGT's catalytic mechanism and the team has developed useful chemical probes, but targeting regulatory regions outside the active site is a newer and less-tested approach.
Where this research is happening
Madison, United States
- University of Wisconsin-Madison — Madison, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jiang, Jiaoyang — University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Study coordinator: Jiang, Jiaoyang
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.