Understanding how cells check their protein-making machinery
Official title: How cells monitor the integrity of their translation apparatus
Funded at Stowers Institute for Medical Research · NIH-11094303 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how cells keep an eye on their ribosomes, which are important for making proteins, to see how they deal with any that are damaged, and it could help us understand diseases like cancer and neurodegeneration better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stowers Institute for Medical Research NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Kansas City, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $226,212 |
| NIH project number | 7DP5OD028147-06 |
| Project ID | NIH-11094303 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research would include individuals with conditions associated with ribosome dysfunction, such as certain cancers or neurodegenerative diseases.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to ribosome function or those not experiencing any cellular proliferation issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how cells monitor the integrity of their ribosomes, which are essential for protein production. By using advanced techniques like quantitative mass spectrometry and genome editing, the study aims to identify the factors that help cells manage defective or damaged ribosomes. This understanding could shed light on the cellular processes that lead to diseases such as cancer and neurodegeneration. The research focuses on improving our knowledge of ribosome surveillance mechanisms, which are crucial for maintaining healthy cell function.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new insights into disease mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets for conditions related to ribosome dysfunction.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of this research may be novel, there is a growing body of literature indicating that understanding ribosome function and integrity is crucial for addressing various diseases.
Where this research is happening
-
Stowers Institute for Medical Research
Kansas City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kostova, Kamena — Stowers Institute for Medical Research
- Study coordinator: Kostova, Kamena
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Understanding how centromeres keep chromosomes evenly divided in cancer and aging
A science project aims to map how centromeres and cohesin work together to keep chromosomes stable, a factor linked to cancer and aging.
-
Understanding how centromeres affect chromosome splitting in cancer
A research project looks at how centromere DNA and its surroundings influence chromosome separation during cell division, which can go awry in cancer.
-
Hair cell regeneration in zebrafish and its link to human hearing loss
This NIH grant study explores how hair cells in zebrafish can regrow and how this knowledge could help develop therapies for hearing loss in people.
-
How DNA packaging controls gene activity
Researchers are looking at how proteins that shape DNA packaging change gene activity in cells linked to cancer, hoping to reveal new treatment targets for patients.
-
Keeping chromosomes intact
This work explores how proteins and DNA structures at centromeres hold sister chromosomes together to prevent errors that can lead to cancer or reproductive aging.
-
Understanding How Sensory Hair Cells Grow Back
This project explores how sensory hair cells, which are vital for hearing and balance, can regrow, hoping to find new ways to help people with hearing loss.
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.