How the body controls a specific amino acid that helps detoxify harmful substances
Official title: Epitranscriptomic control of ROS
Funded at Suny Polytechnic Institute · NIH-10792216 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a special building block in our bodies, called selenocysteine, helps get rid of harmful substances, and it’s for anyone interested in how problems with this process might lead to aging and stress-related diseases.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R15 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Suny Polytechnic Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Albany, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $296,920 |
| NIH project number | 3R15CA274603-01S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10792216 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with conditions related to oxidative stress or cellular aging.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to oxidative stress or those who do not have a genetic predisposition to issues with selenocysteine utilization may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of a unique amino acid called selenocysteine in detoxifying harmful substances in the body. It focuses on how changes in the modification of transfer RNA (tRNA) affect the incorporation of selenocysteine during protein synthesis, which is crucial for maintaining cellular health. By studying genetically modified mice and human cells, the researchers aim to understand how defects in this process can lead to cellular aging and stress responses. The findings could provide insights into new therapeutic strategies for diseases related to oxidative stress.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that enhance detoxification processes in the body, potentially improving health outcomes for patients with oxidative stress-related conditions.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding the role of epitranscriptomic modifications in cellular processes, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Suny Polytechnic Institute
Albany, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Melendez, Juan Andres — Suny Polytechnic Institute
- Study coordinator: Melendez, Juan Andres
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.