How tiny protein tags at the protein start affect cells and cancer
Expanding the biological roles of N-terminal methylation
Researchers are exploring how a small chemical tag added to the start of proteins changes cell behavior and may influence breast cancer and aging.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | State University of New York at Buffalo NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Amherst, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11256778 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This work looks at an enzyme that adds a tiny chemical tag to the beginning of proteins and how that tag changes what proteins do in cells. The team will use biochemical experiments, cell cultures of breast cancer lines, and genetic mouse models to find new proteins affected by this tag and to see how changing the tag alters growth, movement, and aging-related traits. They will also study how the tag influences stem cells so we can understand effects on cell fate and tissue repair. Most work is done in the lab, but findings could guide future patient-focused studies or sample donations.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with breast cancer who are willing to donate tumor tissue or blood for research, or patients interested in future trials targeting this pathway, would be most relevant.
Not a fit: Patients without breast cancer or whose disease does not involve this protein-tagging pathway are unlikely to see direct benefit from these basic laboratory findings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could point to new biomarkers or drug targets to slow breast cancer growth or age-related tissue problems.
How similar studies have performed: Prior lab and mouse studies from this group show that altering N-terminal methylation affects cancer cell behavior and aging signs, but turning these findings into human treatments remains new and unproven.
Where this research is happening
Amherst, United States
- State University of New York at Buffalo — Amherst, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Schaner-Tooley, Christine E — State University of New York at Buffalo
- Study coordinator: Schaner-Tooley, Christine E
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.