Understanding how cells recycle waste through a process called autophagy
Official title: Mechanisms of membrane tethering in autophagy
Funded at University of Missouri-Columbia · NIH-11128705 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how our cells clean up and recycle their parts, especially how certain proteins help this process work better, which could be important for understanding diseases that come with aging.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Missouri-Columbia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Columbia, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $388,117 |
| NIH project number | 5R35GM155253-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11128705 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing aging-related diseases or disorders, particularly those with neurodegenerative conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with acute, non-aging related conditions or those not experiencing cellular stress may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms behind autophagy, a vital cellular process that helps cells maintain balance and respond to stress by recycling cellular debris. The study focuses on the final stages of autophagy, particularly how different proteins and complexes work together to facilitate the fusion of autophagosomes with lysosomes for degradation. By using both laboratory techniques and live cell models, the research aims to uncover the protein interactions that are crucial for this recycling process, which could have implications for various aging-related diseases.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new insights into treating neurodegenerative diseases and improving cellular health in aging populations.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding autophagy mechanisms, indicating that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Missouri-Columbia
Columbia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yokom, Adam Lee — University of Missouri-Columbia
- Study coordinator: Yokom, Adam Lee
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Boosting immune response to fight cancer
This study is exploring a new way to help your immune system better fight cancer by tweaking certain cells in your body, and it aims to improve treatment for people with advanced cancer.
-
Interface between immune cells and scarring in the eye
This grant looks at how immune cells influence scar formation in the cornea after injury and how this affects vision.
-
Understanding cell-cleanup problems in C9ORF72-related ALS/FTD
Researchers are studying why the body's cell-cleanup systems fail in a genetic form of ALS/FTD to pave the way for better treatments.
-
Molecular clues to endometriosis-related infertility
This grant explores how molecular changes in endometriosis contribute to infertility, with the aim of finding better ways to diagnose and treat the condition.
-
A universal Shigella vaccine using SAVE to protect people of all ages
A new vaccine approach called SAVE aims to prevent Shigella-related dysentery across all ages, including children and adults, by targeting conserved bacterial components.
-
Biomarkers that predict osteoarthritis risk in people at higher risk
A long-term study will look for protein markers in body fluids that could predict who will develop knee osteoarthritis before symptoms appear.
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.