Investigating how a specific protein interacts with others to affect sugar modifications in cells
Official title: Understanding the mechanism of adaptor protein engagement by OGT and its functional effects on glycosylation
Funded at St. Olaf College · NIH-10797591 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a special enzyme called OGT adds sugar molecules to proteins, which is important for keeping our cells healthy, and it hopes to find new ways to help treat diseases like Alzheimer's and cancer where this process goes wrong.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R15 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | St. Olaf College NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Northfield, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2022 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $64,637 |
| NIH project number | 3R15GM147888-01S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10797591 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or related dementias.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-neurological conditions or those not diagnosed with Alzheimer's or related dementias may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how the O-GlcNAc transferase (OGT) enzyme interacts with various proteins to modify them with sugar molecules, which is crucial for many cellular functions. By studying the mechanisms of how OGT selects its protein substrates, the research aims to uncover potential therapeutic strategies for diseases like Alzheimer's and cancer, where these modifications are disrupted. The approach involves detailed biochemical assays to analyze protein interactions and modifications in both the nucleus and cytoplasm of cells.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for treating Alzheimer's disease and other conditions linked to protein misregulation.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific mechanisms of OGT substrate selection are still being explored, similar research has shown promise in understanding protein modifications and their implications in various diseases.
Where this research is happening
-
St. Olaf College
Northfield, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Joiner, Cassandra Marie — St. Olaf College
- Study coordinator: Joiner, Cassandra Marie
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How OGT and adaptor proteins control which proteins get sugar tags
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Exploring how a specific protein affects sugar modifications in cells related to Alzheimer's disease
This study is looking at how a protein called OGT helps attach sugar molecules to other proteins, which is important for how our cells work, and it's especially focused on understanding how this process might affect diseases like Alzheimer's and cancer, with the hope of finding new ways to treat patients.
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.