Mitochondrial Communication Through Protein AMPylation
Regulation of mitochondrial signaling by protein AMPylation
This research explores a newly discovered way mitochondria, the powerhouses of our cells, communicate to keep us healthy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ut Southwestern Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Dallas, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11174386 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Our cells rely on tiny powerhouses called mitochondria for energy and important signals. We've found a new way these mitochondria "talk" by adding a small molecule called AMP to proteins, a process called AMPylation. This project aims to understand how this AMPylation process is controlled, specifically focusing on an enzyme called RNase Z that removes AMP. By learning more about how AMPylation works and is reversed, we hope to uncover its role in maintaining cell health and how its disruption might contribute to disease.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients with conditions linked to mitochondrial dysfunction, such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy or prostate cancer, might eventually benefit from this foundational understanding.
Not a fit: Patients whose conditions are not related to mitochondrial signaling or the specific mechanisms of AMPylation may not directly benefit from this particular basic science work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new insights into diseases like hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and prostate cancer, potentially leading to new ways to help patients.
How similar studies have performed: While the concept of AMPylation is emerging, this project explores a novel enzyme, RNase Z, in this specific context, making it a new area of investigation.
Where this research is happening
Dallas, United States
- Ut Southwestern Medical Center — Dallas, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sreelatha, Anju — Ut Southwestern Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Sreelatha, Anju
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.