Understanding how molecular motors work in protein management and gene expression
Official title: Mechanisms of Molecular Motors in Transcription and Protein Homeostasis
Funded at University of Alabama at Birmingham · NIH-11011543 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how tiny motors inside our cells work to help keep everything running smoothly, especially as we age, and it hopes to uncover how problems with these motors might be linked to diseases like cancer and diabetes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Alabama at Birmingham NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Birmingham, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2025 |
| Project end | November 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $371,250 |
| NIH project number | 1R35GM156375-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11011543 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing age-related diseases, such as type II diabetes or certain cancers, where protein homeostasis is disrupted.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to protein homeostasis or molecular motor dysfunction may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms by which molecular motors operate to facilitate essential cellular processes like transcription and protein homeostasis. By studying specific motor proteins, the project aims to quantify the energetic and kinetic aspects of their functions, particularly in the context of aging and related diseases. The research employs advanced techniques such as transient state kinetics and single molecule approaches to bridge the gap between structural knowledge and functional understanding. This could lead to insights into how misfolded proteins contribute to diseases like cancer and diabetes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for treating diseases associated with protein misfolding and aggregation.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding molecular motors, indicating that this approach has the potential for significant breakthroughs.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lucius, Aaron L — University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Study coordinator: Lucius, Aaron L
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.