Understanding a new type of cellular granule that helps translate specific mRNAs
Official title: Identifying the components and properties of the new EIF5B RNP granule
Funded at Brandeis University · NIH-10646683 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a special part of cells called the EIF5B RNP granule, which helps make proteins from certain messages in our genes, especially when cells are under stress, and it aims to understand how this granule works and interacts with other similar structures in the cell.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Brandeis University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Waltham, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2023 |
| Project end | September 14, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $433,536 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AG081682-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10646683 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing conditions related to protein synthesis dysfunction, such as Alzheimer's disease or other neurodegenerative disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to protein synthesis or cellular stress responses may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a newly discovered biological condensate known as the EIF5B RNP granule, which enhances the translation of certain mRNAs, particularly under stress conditions. The study aims to identify the components of this granule and understand its relationship with other known cytoplasmic granules, such as stress granules and processing bodies. By using advanced techniques like mRNA sequencing and polysome profiling, researchers will explore how these granules function and their impact on protein synthesis. This could provide insights into cellular responses to stress and the regulation of gene expression.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for diseases related to protein synthesis and cellular stress, including Alzheimer's disease.
How similar studies have gone: While the investigation of RNP granules is a relatively novel approach, previous studies on stress granules have shown promising results in understanding cellular responses to stress.
Where this research is happening
-
Brandeis University
Waltham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Marr, Michael Thomas — Brandeis University
- Study coordinator: Marr, Michael Thomas
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.