How rhomboid proteins help cells remove misfolded membrane proteins
The Discovery of Molecules and Mechanisms of the Rhomboid Superfamily
The lab will study how rhomboid-family proteins pull out and clear faulty membrane proteins, which could matter for people with Alzheimer's and similar conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11266200 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will use yeast and cell-based experiments to map how a protein called Dfm1 and related rhomboid proteins move misfolded membrane proteins out of the endoplasmic reticulum for destruction. They will combine genetic screens, biochemistry, and cell biology to define the step-by-step retrotranslocation mechanism, examine a stress state caused by aggregated membrane proteins, and explore links to sphingolipid metabolism. The work is done in the laboratory and focuses on basic molecular mechanisms rather than testing treatments in people. Results could point to molecular targets for future therapies but will not involve patient treatment during this project.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This project does not enroll patients — it is lab-based using yeast and cell models, so there are no participant eligibility criteria.
Not a fit: People seeking immediate treatments or clinical care for Alzheimer's will not receive direct benefit from this preclinical laboratory research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new molecular targets to help cells clear toxic misfolded proteins, potentially informing future Alzheimer's treatments.
How similar studies have performed: Prior basic studies in yeast and cells have shown rhomboid/derlin proteins affect protein removal and ER stress, but applying these findings to human Alzheimer's therapy remains largely unproven.
Where this research is happening
La Jolla, United States
- University of California, San Diego — La Jolla, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Neal, Sonya Elina — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Neal, Sonya Elina
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.