Understanding how a protein complex unfolds and processes other proteins in cells
Official title: Mechanism of Substrate Unfolding by the AAA+ ATPase p97 and Binding Partners
Funded at University of Utah · NIH-10894618 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a protein called p97 that helps keep our cells healthy by managing damaged proteins, and it aims to understand how problems with p97 can lead to diseases, which could help patients in the future.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Utah NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Salt Lake City, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $48,974 |
| NIH project number | 5F31GM150221-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10894618 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with genetic mutations affecting protein processing or diseases related to proteostasis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to protein misfolding or degradation may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of a protein called p97, which is essential for maintaining protein balance in cells. It focuses on how p97 interacts with its binding partners to unfold and prepare damaged proteins for degradation. By studying the structure and function of p97 and its partners, the research aims to uncover the mechanisms behind protein processing and how mutations in p97 can lead to diseases. Patients may benefit from insights gained into the cellular processes that maintain protein health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for treating diseases caused by protein misfolding and degradation.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding protein processing mechanisms, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Utah
Salt Lake City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mack, Deirdre — University of Utah
- Study coordinator: Mack, Deirdre
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Evaluating a new injectable contraceptive for women
This study is testing a new long-lasting birth control shot called levonorgestrel butanoate, especially for women who are overweight and at risk for blood clots, to see if it works well and is safe without the added hormones found in other methods.
-
Understanding how cells respond to changes in membrane tension
This study looks at how yeast cells react when their outer layer gets stretched or squeezed due to changes in their environment, helping us understand how they stay healthy and function properly.
-
A program to lead and conduct clinical trials for gastrointestinal cancers.
This study is all about finding better treatments for gastrointestinal cancers, and it invites patients to join exciting clinical trials at the Huntsman Cancer Institute, where expert doctors are working together to discover new therapies that could help improve their health.
-
New treatment for high phosphate levels in kidney disease patients
This study is testing a new way to help people with chronic kidney disease and those on dialysis lower their high phosphate levels in the blood by using special materials that can quickly and safely remove excess phosphate, offering a better option than current treatments.
-
Testing new treatments to help manage epilepsy
This study is looking at new treatments and devices to help people with epilepsy, especially those who have trouble with their current medications, to see if they can better control their seizures and improve their daily lives.
-
Exploring how flexible emotion regulation affects stress and emotional disorders in ethnic minority college students
This study looks at how college students from different ethnic backgrounds handle their feelings when faced with everyday stress, like discrimination and money worries, to see how this affects their anxiety and depression, and it aims to provide helpful insights for them.
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.