Investigating the role of methionine in biological processes and diseases
Chemical Probes to Study Methionine Redox Biology
This study is exploring how an important building block of proteins called methionine affects our body's functions and could be linked to diseases like cancer and brain disorders, and the researchers are creating special tools to help us learn more about its role in health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Princeton University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Princeton, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11074663 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how methionine, an amino acid, plays a critical role in various physiological processes, including cell signaling and antioxidant defense. The team is developing innovative chemical probes to selectively label and study reactive methionine sites in proteins, which can help reveal their functions and contributions to diseases like cancer and neurodegenerative disorders. By employing a combination of synthetic chemistry, modeling, and proteomic techniques, the researchers aim to create tools that will enhance our understanding of methionine's role in health and disease.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with conditions related to oxidative stress, such as cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, or vascular disorders.
Not a fit: Patients with conditions unrelated to oxidative stress or methionine metabolism may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new insights into the mechanisms of diseases and potentially identify novel therapeutic targets for treatment.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of amino acids in biological processes, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
Princeton, UNITED STATES
- Princeton University — Princeton, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chang, Christopher J. — Princeton University
- Study coordinator: Chang, Christopher J.
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.