Molecular Control of Protein Synthesis by the eEF2K Pathway
Official title: Molecular Mechanisms of Translation Regulation by the eEF2K Pathway
Funded at University of Wisconsin-Madison · NIH-11537950 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are studying how a cellular switch called eEF2K controls protein production in cells, which could affect many diseases and brain cell function.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Wisconsin-Madison NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Madison, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2022 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $388,750 |
| NIH project number | 7R35GM146862-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11537950 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Not a patient-facing study; directly informs future therapies that could benefit patients with autoimmune diseases, cancer, or cardiovascular diseases.
✕Less likely to help
This grant focuses on basic mechanisms and is not a direct treatment trial for individuals.
What this research studies
This project builds a detailed, testable model of how eEF2K regulates translation at the ribosome and how signals from different pathways converge on this switch. It will map the molecular interactions and structural changes that control eEF2K activity and its downstream effects on protein synthesis, including localized regulation in specific cell types such as neurons. By understanding how eEF2K phosphorylation affects which messages are translated, the work aims to reveal why some proteins are produced in response to signals while others are suppressed. The findings could illuminate new angles for treating diseases where protein production is dysregulated, such as autoimmune diseases, cancer, and cardiovascular disorders.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: A deeper understanding of protein synthesis control could lead to new targets for therapies in autoimmune diseases, cancer, and heart conditions.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work has shown that eEF2K/eEF2 dynamics influence translation, with emerging models suggesting specific mRNA selection under certain signals.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Madison, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Loerch, Sarah — University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Study coordinator: Loerch, Sarah
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
BRAVE Innovation Center for Viral Resistance in Chickens
A center at UW–Madison aims to create chickens genetically resistant to avian viruses like H5N1 by identifying host genes involved in virus replication using genome-wide CRISPR screening.
-
Center to Fight Vector-Borne Diseases in the Midwest
A Midwest program brings researchers, public health teams, and vector-control groups together to prevent diseases spread by ticks and mosquitoes.
-
Globally useful predictor for cervical cancer treatment response
This project aims to develop a simple predictive signature to personalize treatment for locally advanced cervical cancer using easy tests and imaging.
-
Neutrophil development with stem cells to understand their behavior
Researchers are studying how neutrophils, a type of immune cell, develop from stem cells to better understand why they can help or harm in infections and inflammatory diseases.
-
WREN: Expanding Research Capacity in Rural Primary Care Clinics
A nationwide network in Wisconsin will strengthen rural primary care clinics to participate in real-world research and bring more clinical trials to communities.
-
Targeting early oral GVHD to improve mouth health after stem cell transplant
A study at UW–Madison will explore why some transplant patients develop painful oral GVHD and test ideas to prevent and lessen mouth-related problems.
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.