Identifying substrates for enzymes that remove methyl groups from proteins
Crosslinking-Assisted Substrate Identification for Lysine Demethylases
This study is exploring how certain enzymes help control gene activity by interacting with proteins in our cells, which could give us important clues about their roles in growth and cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10651793 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how specific enzymes, known as lysine demethylases, regulate gene expression by removing methyl groups from proteins. The team will develop a new method called crosslinking-assisted substrate identification (CASI) to identify the various proteins these enzymes interact with in human cells. By using a specialized approach that involves engineering the enzyme's active site, they aim to pinpoint both histone and non-histone substrates. This could provide insights into the complex roles these enzymes play in cellular processes, particularly in development and cancer.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with cancers or autoimmune diseases that may be influenced by the activity of lysine demethylases.
Not a fit: Patients with conditions unrelated to the regulation of gene expression by lysine demethylases may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for treating cancers and autoimmune diseases by targeting the specific proteins involved in these conditions.
How similar studies have performed: While the approach of using chemoproteomics is innovative, similar methodologies have shown promise in other areas of protein interaction studies.
Where this research is happening
Pittsburgh, United States
- University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh — Pittsburgh, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Islam, Kabirul — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Islam, Kabirul
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.