Investigating the role of a key enzyme complex in sphingolipid metabolism and its link to neurodegenerative diseases.
Structural and Functional Studies of Human Serine Palmitoyltransferase Complexes
This study is looking at a special enzyme that helps make important fats in our cells, which could help us understand how problems with this process might be connected to diseases like ALS and other nerve-related issues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | St. Jude Children's Research Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Memphis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11080333 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the serine palmitoyltransferase complex, which is crucial for the production of sphingolipids, essential components of cell membranes and signaling molecules. By using advanced techniques in structural biology, biochemistry, and biophysics, the research aims to uncover how this enzyme complex recognizes substrates, catalyzes reactions, and regulates sphingolipid levels in the body. The findings could provide insights into how defects in this process are linked to conditions like amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and other neurodegenerative diseases.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or related neurodegenerative conditions.
Not a fit: Patients with conditions unrelated to sphingolipid metabolism or those not diagnosed with neurodegenerative diseases may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for treating neurodegenerative diseases associated with sphingolipid metabolism.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding sphingolipid metabolism and its implications in neurodegenerative diseases, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
Memphis, United States
- St. Jude Children's Research Hospital — Memphis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lee, Chia-Hsueh — St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
- Study coordinator: Lee, Chia-Hsueh
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.