Understanding how a key enzyme matures in the cell's secretory pathway
Official title: Structural and mechanistic basis for the maturation of site-one protease in the secretory pathway
Funded at Ut Southwestern Medical Center · NIH-10939390 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a key enzyme that helps manage cholesterol in our bodies changes from being inactive to active, and it’s for anyone interested in understanding how our cells keep cholesterol levels balanced, especially with the help of a new helper protein.
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 start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $344,400 |
| NIH project number | 1R01GM155152-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10939390 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with metabolic disorders related to cholesterol, such as familial hypercholesterolemia.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have any cholesterol metabolism issues or related metabolic disorders may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the maturation process of site-one protease (S1P), an important enzyme involved in cholesterol metabolism and cellular signaling. It focuses on how S1P transitions from an inactive form in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) to an active form in the Golgi apparatus, which is crucial for regulating cholesterol levels in the body. The study employs advanced techniques like cryo-electron microscopy to visualize the enzyme's structure and understand its functional mechanisms. By exploring the role of a newly identified co-factor, SPRING, this research aims to uncover new insights into cholesterol homeostasis and related cellular processes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for managing cholesterol-related diseases and improving metabolic health.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding enzyme maturation and its implications for metabolic diseases, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Ut Southwestern Medical Center
Dallas, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kober, Daniel Luke — Ut Southwestern Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Kober, Daniel Luke
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.