Understanding how cells manage proteins to prevent neurological disorders
Global analysis of the selectivity of proteostatic pathways
This project aims to discover how our cells keep proteins healthy and clear out damaged ones, which is important for preventing diseases like degenerative neurological disorders.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Rochester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rochester, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11086742 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Our cells constantly work to repair and remove proteins to stay healthy, a process called proteostasis. When this process doesn't work correctly, it can lead to conditions like degenerative neurological disorders. This research explores the specific ways cells choose which proteins to fix or clear, especially focusing on a pathway called macroautophagy. We are using new methods to see how this pathway helps maintain protein balance and how it changes in diseases like prion infections. The goal is to uncover the molecular details of these cellular clean-up crews.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is not directly recruiting patients but aims to help those affected by degenerative neurological disorders in the future.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate treatment options may not find direct benefit from this basic science research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to treat or prevent degenerative neurological disorders by improving how cells manage their proteins.
How similar studies have performed: This research uses novel proteomic approaches to explore mechanisms that are currently not fully understood, building on initial findings about macroautophagy's role in protein turnover and prion-infected cells.
Where this research is happening
Rochester, United States
- University of Rochester — Rochester, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ghaemmaghami, Sina — University of Rochester
- Study coordinator: Ghaemmaghami, Sina
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.