Mysterious lysosome zip codes: unlocking how a key enzyme guides normal cellular trash disposal
Official title: Molecular mechanisms for sorting lysosomal proteins
Funded at Van Andel Research Institute · NIH-11333235 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A research project is studying the human enzyme that tags lysosomal proteins so they reach the right cell compartments, a process that can go wrong in autism-related conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Van Andel Research Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Grand Rapids, United States) |
| Project start | July 10, 2022 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $475,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS127292-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11333235 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates include individuals with autistic disorder where lysosomal function may be relevant, or those contributing biological samples for related studies.
✕Less likely to help
Participants not directly affected by lysosomal processing disorders may not experience immediate benefits.
What this research studies
This project aims to understand how GlcNAc-1-phosphotransferase (PTase) works at the molecular level and how its function or malfunction affects lysosome delivery. Researchers will examine the enzyme’s structure and how it recognizes lysosomal proteins, using advanced imaging and biochemical methods. The work builds on prior structural studies and seeks to map the catalytic core’s interactions with donor substrates to illuminate disease mechanisms linked to lysosomal dysfunction in autism spectrum disorders. Findings could reveal targets for therapies that improve cellular waste processing in affected individuals.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could inform new approaches to treat or manage autism-related conditions linked to lysosomal dysfunction by guiding future therapies.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary structural work and cryo-EM mapping suggest that detailed molecular insights are achievable with this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Van Andel Research Institute
Grand Rapids, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Li, Huilin — Van Andel Research Institute
- Study coordinator: Li, Huilin
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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.