Investigating how ubiquitin cargo clusters on cell membranes affect cellular transport
Official title: Understanding the structural mechanism of spontaneous ubiquitin cargo clustering on the cell plasma membrane
Funded at Montclair State University · NIH-10730734 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how tiny protein clusters form on cell surfaces and how they help move materials around inside cells, which is important for keeping our cells healthy and functioning properly.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R15 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Montclair State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Montclair, United States) |
| Project start | September 6, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $365,000 |
| NIH project number | 1R15GM151699-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10730734 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with cancers or conditions related to cellular transport dysfunction, such as Crohn's disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-malignant conditions unrelated to cellular transport or those not experiencing any cellular dysfunction may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how ubiquitin cargo clusters spontaneously on the plasma membranes of cells and how this clustering influences the process of vesicular trafficking, which is essential for transporting materials within cells. By using advanced techniques like fluorescence microscopy and atomic force microscopy, the researchers aim to uncover the molecular mechanisms behind this process. The study will analyze how these clusters interact with lipid rafts and contribute to cellular functions, potentially revealing new insights into cellular physiology and disease mechanisms.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for cancers and other diseases by enhancing our understanding of cellular transport mechanisms.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of studying ubiquitin cargo clustering is relatively novel, similar research in vesicular trafficking has shown promising results in understanding cellular processes.
Where this research is happening
-
Montclair State University
Montclair, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lee, Il-Hyung — Montclair State University
- Study coordinator: Lee, Il-Hyung
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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.