Understanding how fats attach to proteins to affect cell health
Chemical biology approaches to probe signaling by protein lipidation
This research aims to create new chemical tools to better understand how fats attach to proteins, which is important for cell growth, metabolism, and brain health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11090533 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Our cells rely on a process where fats attach to proteins, changing how these proteins work and where they go inside the cell. This process, called protein lipidation, is crucial for many essential body functions, including how our cells grow, use energy, and maintain brain health. However, it's been hard to study because we lack good tools to control these fat-protein attachments. This project will develop new chemical tools, like small molecules, to help us measure and manipulate this process. By doing so, we hope to uncover how protein lipidation contributes to both healthy body functions and various diseases.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research does not directly involve patients, but future studies building on this work may seek individuals with conditions related to cellular growth, metabolism, or neurological disorders.
Not a fit: Patients not experiencing conditions related to cellular growth, metabolism, or neurological health are unlikely to see direct benefit from this specific basic science project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to a deeper understanding of diseases related to cell growth, metabolism, and neurological health, potentially paving the way for new treatments.
How similar studies have performed: While the overall concept of protein lipidation is known, this project focuses on developing novel chemical tools and methods to study it, which represents a new approach.
Where this research is happening
Chicago, United States
- University of Chicago — Chicago, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dickinson, Bryan — University of Chicago
- Study coordinator: Dickinson, Bryan
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.