Understanding how a key protein helps cells stay healthy
Official title: Homeostasis functions of SKN-1A/Nrf1
Funded at Joslin Diabetes Center · NIH-11124628 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project explores how a protein, similar to one in humans, helps cells manage fats and proteins, which could offer new ways to think about aging and certain genetic conditions.
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 | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $514,743 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG054215-08 |
| Project ID | NIH-11124628 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
This foundational research is relevant to individuals interested in the basic biology of aging, metabolism, and genetic conditions like Diamond Blackfan Anemia.
✕Less likely to help
Patients seeking immediate new treatments or direct clinical trial participation would not directly benefit from this early-stage basic science.
What this research studies
We are learning about how a protein called SKN-1A, which is like human Nrf1, helps tiny worms called C. elegans stay healthy. This protein plays a role in how cells handle fats and proteins, and how they respond to stress. By understanding these basic processes in worms, we hope to gain insights into how similar mechanisms work in the human body. This knowledge could eventually help us understand conditions related to metabolism, aging, and certain genetic disorders.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new strategies for treating metabolic problems, conditions related to aging, and specific genetic diseases like Diamond Blackfan Anemia.
How similar studies have gone: This project builds on new discoveries made by the researchers, exploring novel aspects of SKN-1A/Nrf1 function.
Where this research is happening
-
Joslin Diabetes Center
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Schaffer, Jean E. — Joslin Diabetes Center
- Study coordinator: Schaffer, Jean E.
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Brown-fat lipids and their mimics for better metabolism
Researchers are studying small fat-related molecules produced by brown fat to understand how they help with metabolism and may lead to new ways to treat type 2 diabetes.
-
Understanding cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s changes in people with long‑duration type 1 diabetes
A long-term study in adults with type 1 diabetes investigates why some people experience memory and thinking difficulties and brain changes typical of Alzheimer's disease.
-
Epitranscriptomics in obesity and type 2 diabetes
Researchers are studying how gene activity changes in fat tissue and other organs to better understand obesity and type 2 diabetes, with the goal of finding new ideas for treatment.
-
APOL1-Linked Kidney Transplant Outcomes Network (APOLLO) Clinical Center
This grant supports a clinical center that follows kidney transplant patients to understand how APOL1 genetics affect transplant results and living donor health.
-
Proteostasis and lipid balance in aging: SKN-1A/Nrf1 in humans
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.
-
Glucagon Pump Therapy for PBH in People After Bariatric Surgery
A new approach uses a patch pump and smart control to deliver glucagon during meal-related lows in adults who had bariatric surgery and developed dangerous hypoglycemia.
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.