Keeping cells' recycling centers (lysosomes) healthy by reshaping lipids
Lysosomal quality control through lipid remodeling
This project tests whether changing certain fats inside cells can speed repair of damaged lysosomes and protect against cell damage linked to heart disease and aging.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11143293 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This work focuses on lysosomes, the cell's recycling centers, and how they rapidly repair membrane damage that can lead to cell death. In the lab, researchers used unbiased protein screens and cell models to discover a lipid-driven repair pathway (PITT) and the enzyme PI4K2A that produces a lipid signal (PI4P) on damaged lysosomes. They examine how that lipid signal brings membranes and transport proteins together to patch lysosomes and restore membrane integrity. The studies are done in cells and model systems to build knowledge that may inform future treatments for cardiovascular and age-related conditions.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with cardiovascular disease, heart muscle disorders, or age-related conditions linked to lysosomal dysfunction, and those willing to donate blood or tissue samples, would be most relevant to this work.
Not a fit: Patients whose conditions are unrelated to lysosomal damage (for example, purely mechanical valve problems) are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could reveal new targets to prevent cell death in heart disease and age-related disorders and guide development of future therapies.
How similar studies have performed: Some prior laboratory studies have identified other lysosomal repair pathways, but this lipid-remodeling mechanism is newly discovered and has not yet been tested in patients.
Where this research is happening
Pittsburgh, United States
- University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh — Pittsburgh, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tan, Xiaojun — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Tan, Xiaojun
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.