Understanding how cells maintain protein balance
Visualizing the Mechanisms of Protein Quality Control
This study is looking at how our cells keep proteins healthy and working properly, which is important for everyone, especially those with diseases caused by protein problems, to help us understand how to fix these issues better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Utah NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Salt Lake City, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11084535 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms that cells use to maintain a healthy balance of protein synthesis, folding, and degradation. It focuses on key enzyme complexes that help resolve issues when proteins do not fold correctly or become damaged. By using advanced techniques like cryo-electron microscopy and proteomics, the research aims to visualize how these protein quality control systems function at a molecular level. This understanding could lead to insights into various diseases caused by protein misregulation.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with conditions linked to protein misfolding disorders, such as neurodegenerative diseases.
Not a fit: Patients with conditions unrelated to protein quality control mechanisms may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for treating diseases related to protein misfolding and degradation.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown success in understanding protein quality control mechanisms, indicating that this approach is promising and builds on established findings.
Where this research is happening
Salt Lake City, United States
- University of Utah — Salt Lake City, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shen, Peter — University of Utah
- Study coordinator: Shen, Peter
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.