Understanding how cells recycle waste through a process called autophagy

Mechanisms of membrane tethering in autophagy

NIH-funded research University of Missouri-Columbia · NIH-11128705

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 typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Missouri-Columbia NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Columbia, United States)
Project IDNIH-11128705 on NIH RePORTER

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing aging-related diseases or disorders, particularly those with neurodegenerative conditions.

Not a fit: Patients with acute, non-aging related conditions or those not experiencing cellular stress may not benefit from this research.

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 performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding autophagy mechanisms, indicating that this approach could yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

Columbia, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions aging associated diseaseaging associated disordersaging related diseaseaging related disorders
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.