Understanding how histidine phosphorylation affects cell signaling in mammals

Out of the shadows: Illuminating mammalian histidine phosphorylation

NIH-funded research University of Utah · NIH-11051173

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 typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Utah NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Salt Lake City, United States)
Project IDNIH-11051173 on NIH RePORTER

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with conditions influenced by cellular signaling pathways, including certain cancers and cardiovascular diseases.

Not a fit: Patients with conditions unrelated to histidine phosphorylation or those not affected by cellular signaling pathways may not benefit from this research.

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 performed: 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

Salt Lake City, 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 CancersCardiovascular Diseasescardiovascular disorder
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.