Understanding how fat metabolism affects the formation of specialized cell compartments.
Official title: Investigating the role of lipid metabolism in the biogenesis of lysosome-related organelles
Funded at Lewis and Clark College · NIH-10874326 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how fats in our bodies affect the formation of special cell compartments that help with important functions, and it aims to find out what controls their size and shape, which could help us better understand conditions like Hermansky-Pudlak and Chediak-Higashi syndromes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R15 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Lewis and Clark College NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Portland, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $414,000 |
| NIH project number | 1R15GM154211-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10874326 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome or Chediak-Higashi syndrome, particularly those experiencing symptoms related to blood clotting or pigmentation.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without any genetic or biochemical disorders related to lysosome-related organelles may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how lipid metabolism influences the creation of lysosome-related organelles (LROs), which are specialized compartments within cells that perform unique functions. The study focuses on understanding the factors that control the size and shape of these organelles, as abnormalities in their formation can lead to conditions like Hermansky-Pudlak and Chediak-Higashi syndromes. By examining the genetic and biochemical processes involved, the research aims to uncover new insights that could improve our understanding of these diseases and their associated symptoms.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better treatments for patients with conditions related to defective lysosome-related organelles.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific focus on LRO morphology is relatively novel, previous research has successfully identified factors involved in lysosomal function and related disorders.
Where this research is happening
-
Lewis and Clark College
Portland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hermann, Greg J — Lewis and Clark College
- Study coordinator: Hermann, Greg J
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Investigating protein aggregation in Lewy Body Disease using zebrafish models
This study is looking at how a protein called alpha-synuclein clumps together in brain cells and affects communication between them, using zebrafish to help understand this process better, which could eventually lead to new treatments for Lewy Body Disease and similar conditions.
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.