Understanding How Cells Maintain Peroxisomes
Official title: Investigating the mechanisms of peroxisome homeostasis
Funded at University of California Santa Barbara · NIH-11110317 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project aims to understand how cells build and maintain tiny compartments called peroxisomes, which are important for our health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Santa Barbara NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Santa Barbara, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2022 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $376,254 |
| NIH project number | 5R35GM146784-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11110317 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with rare genetic Peroxisome Biogenesis Disorders (PBDs) or those experiencing age-related conditions linked to peroxisome dysfunction might eventually benefit from this foundational research.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without conditions related to peroxisome function or those seeking immediate treatment options may not directly benefit from this basic science project.
What this research studies
Our cells contain small compartments called peroxisomes that perform vital metabolic jobs. This project explores how cells create and keep these peroxisomes in good working order, as problems with them can lead to serious genetic conditions and issues related to aging. We are focusing on specific proteins, like Pex1/Pex6, which are crucial for peroxisome function and are often mutated in diseases. By studying these proteins in detail, including how they work in human cells with disease-causing changes, we hope to uncover the basic cellular processes that go wrong.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to a better understanding of peroxisome-related diseases and potentially new ways to help patients with these conditions.
How similar studies have gone: While the general area of peroxisome biology has been studied, this project aims to resolve specific molecular mechanisms of Pex proteins, which is a novel and detailed approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gardner, Brooke Meghan — University of California Santa Barbara
- Study coordinator: Gardner, Brooke Meghan
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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.