Proteostasis and lipid balance in aging: SKN-1A/Nrf1 in humans
Official title: Homeostasis functions of SKN-1A/Nrf1
Funded at Joslin Diabetes Center · NIH-11370560 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study in a worm model explores how a human-linked protein (Nrf1) helps balance fat, protein maintenance, and aging, with potential implications for related human diseases.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Joslin Diabetes Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2017 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $525,247 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG054215-09 |
| Project ID | NIH-11370560 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are individuals with aging-related metabolic or proteostasis concerns or those with ribosomopathies (e.g., Diamond Blackfan Anemia) who could benefit from future translational approaches.
✕Less likely to help
Direct benefits are unlikely for people without interest in metabolic or protein homeostasis pathways or ribosome-related conditions in the near term.
What this research studies
This project looks at how the SKN-1A/Nrf1 transcription factor helps cells manage protein quality and fat metabolism in aging. Using C. elegans, researchers will examine two stress responses: one driven by oleic acid that enhances proteostasis and lowers fat, and another driven by ribosomal assembly stress that alters amino acid levels and protein production. The work aims to translate these worm findings to human biology and to inform strategies for ribosomopathies like Diamond Blackfan Anemia. Results could reveal metabolic approaches to support healthy aging and protein homeostasis in people at risk for related conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could inform new metabolic strategies to support healthy aging and proteostasis in humans, including those with ribosome-related disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work in model organisms has linked SKN-1/Nrf1 pathways to proteostasis and lipid metabolism, supporting potential relevance to human biology, though translation remains to be proven.
Where this research is happening
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Joslin Diabetes Center
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Schaffer, Jean E. — Joslin Diabetes Center
- Study coordinator: Schaffer, Jean E.
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.