Understanding how cells sense and regulate phosphate levels
Official title: Proteostasis and Phosphate Sensing in the Regulation of the Phosphate Transporter SLC20A1
Funded at Ut Southwestern Medical Center · NIH-10940492 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how our cells sense and handle phosphate, an important nutrient for things like DNA and bone health, and it aims to understand how a specific transporter helps manage phosphate levels, which could lead to better treatments for diseases related to phosphate, like heart problems and some cancers.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ut Southwestern Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Dallas, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $410,000 |
| NIH project number | 1R35GM154877-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10940492 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with conditions related to phosphate metabolism, such as chronic kidney disease or cardiovascular diseases.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have issues related to phosphate metabolism or related diseases may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms by which mammalian cells detect and manage phosphate availability, a vital nutrient for many biological processes such as DNA synthesis and bone formation. By utilizing advanced CRISPR technology, the study aims to uncover how the phosphate transporter SLC20A1 is regulated in response to phosphate levels. The research will explore the role of proteostasis in maintaining the balance of this transporter, which is crucial for cellular function and health. Patients may benefit from insights into phosphate-related diseases, including cardiovascular issues and certain cancers.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for conditions related to phosphate imbalance, improving patient outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of this research is novel, similar studies have shown promise in understanding nutrient sensing and its implications for health.
Where this research is happening
-
Ut Southwestern Medical Center
Dallas, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zechner, Peter Gerhard Christoph — Ut Southwestern Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Zechner, Peter Gerhard Christoph
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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.