Understanding how cells clean themselves
Phosphoinositide signaling in autophagy
This project explores how tiny molecules in our cells help manage a vital cleaning process called autophagy, which is important for our health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Champaign, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11105864 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Our cells have a natural cleaning system called autophagy that removes damaged parts and is crucial for healthy body function. When this cleaning process doesn't work right, it can contribute to many human diseases, including some neurological disorders. This research focuses on special molecules called phosphoinositides (PIPs) that act like signals within cells. We are particularly interested in how one specific PIP, PI(3,5)P2, helps control autophagy and how a newly discovered protein, XPLN, might be involved in this process. By understanding these basic cellular mechanisms, we hope to uncover new ways to address diseases linked to faulty cell cleaning.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients with conditions where cellular cleaning processes are disrupted, such as certain neurological disorders, could potentially benefit from future treatments developed from this foundational knowledge.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate treatment options or direct clinical intervention would not find direct benefit from this basic science project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Successfully understanding these cellular signals could open new doors for developing treatments for various human diseases where the cell's cleaning process is disrupted.
How similar studies have performed: This project builds upon previous work by the researchers, including the development of new tools and the discovery of novel proteins involved in these cellular processes.
Where this research is happening
Champaign, United States
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign — Champaign, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chen, Jie — University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
- Study coordinator: Chen, Jie
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 below.