Understanding how cells maintain protein quality control
Official title: Regulation and Mechanisms of ER Proteostasis
Funded at University of Iowa · NIH-10937803 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how cells take care of proteins that don't fold correctly, which is important for people with certain diseases, to see how different cells decide whether to break down these faulty proteins in different ways.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Iowa NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Iowa City, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $381,251 |
| NIH project number | 1R35GM154959-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10937803 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with conditions related to protein misfolding or degradation, such as cystic fibrosis or Gaucher disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to protein quality control mechanisms may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms by which cells manage protein quality control, focusing on the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). It aims to understand how misfolded proteins are identified and directed for degradation through two main pathways: ER-associated degradation (ERAD) and ER-autophagy (ER-phagy). The study will explore the factors that influence which pathway is used for different proteins and how these processes vary across different cell types. By using specific disease-related protein mutations as models, the research seeks to uncover the principles governing these critical cellular functions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for diseases caused by protein misfolding, such as cystic fibrosis and Gaucher disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in understanding protein degradation pathways, but this study aims to explore novel aspects of these mechanisms.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Iowa
Iowa City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Schultz, Mark Louis — University of Iowa
- Study coordinator: Schultz, Mark Louis
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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.