Understanding how cells manage protein quality control
Official title: Mechanistic and Structural Studies of ERAD
Funded at Harvard Medical School · NIH-10865648 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how cells keep their proteins healthy, especially focusing on a part of the cell called the endoplasmic reticulum, and it aims to understand how a special protein complex helps get rid of damaged proteins, which could lead to better treatments for diseases caused by protein problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Harvard Medical School NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $124,999 |
| NIH project number | 1K99GM154114-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10865648 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research include individuals with conditions related to protein misfolding or degradation disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to protein homeostasis or those not affected by protein misfolding may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms by which cells maintain protein homeostasis, focusing on the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and its role in degrading misfolded proteins. The study aims to understand how a specific protein complex, Hrd1, recognizes and selects substrates for degradation within the ER membrane. By employing advanced techniques like cryo-electron microscopy, the research will explore the structural and mechanistic aspects of this quality control process. Patients may benefit from insights gained into protein degradation pathways that could inform treatments for diseases related to protein misfolding.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for diseases caused by protein misfolding, such as neurodegenerative disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in understanding protein degradation pathways, making this approach both relevant and promising.
Where this research is happening
-
Harvard Medical School
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pisa, Rudolf — Harvard Medical School
- Study coordinator: Pisa, Rudolf
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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.