Understanding how histidine phosphorylation affects cell signaling in mammals
Official title: Out of the shadows: Illuminating mammalian histidine phosphorylation
Funded at University of Utah · NIH-11051173 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring how a specific chemical change in proteins, called histidine phosphorylation, affects cell signaling in our bodies, which could help us find new ways to treat diseases.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Utah NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Salt Lake City, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2024 |
| Project end | January 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $346,500 |
| NIH project number | 5R35GM153175-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11051173 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with conditions influenced by cellular signaling pathways, including certain cancers and cardiovascular diseases.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to histidine phosphorylation or those not affected by cellular signaling pathways may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on the role of histidine phosphorylation in mammalian cell signaling, which is crucial for understanding various diseases. The Barrios laboratory aims to develop new chemical tools to monitor and manipulate the enzymes involved in histidine phosphorylation and dephosphorylation. By creating fluorogenic assays, they will investigate how histidine phosphorylation influences protein structure and function, potentially leading to new therapeutic targets. This work seeks to uncover the biological significance of histidine kinases and phosphatases in health and disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments targeting diseases related to cell signaling, such as cancers and cardiovascular disorders.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific focus on histidine phosphorylation is relatively novel, similar approaches in studying phosphorylation in other contexts have shown promising results.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Utah
Salt Lake City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Barrios, Amy M — University of Utah
- Study coordinator: Barrios, Amy M
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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.