Understanding How Protein Shape and Cell Environment Affect Health
Sequence and Environmental Determinants of the Protein Energy Landscape
This research explores how the changing shapes of proteins and their cellular environment contribute to various diseases.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Berkeley NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Berkeley, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11089301 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Proteins in our bodies constantly change shape, and these shapes are crucial for proper function and overall health. When proteins don't fold correctly or are affected by stress within the cell, it can lead to many different diseases and health problems. This project aims to understand these complex protein changes, especially the less common ones that are difficult to observe. By learning more about how protein shape is influenced by both our genetic makeup and the cell's internal environment, we hope to uncover new ways to address diseases caused by protein misfolding. This work moves beyond simple test-tube experiments to consider the crowded, real-life conditions inside our cells.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients with diseases linked to protein misfolding, like certain neurodegenerative conditions, could eventually benefit from the knowledge gained from this fundamental research.
Not a fit: Patients whose conditions are not related to protein misfolding or cellular stress responses would likely not see direct benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new ways to understand and potentially treat diseases caused by protein misfolding, such as certain neurodegenerative disorders.
How similar studies have performed: While protein behavior has been studied extensively in controlled lab settings, this project explores how proteins behave in the complex, crowded environment of a living cell, which is a less explored area.
Where this research is happening
Berkeley, United States
- University of California Berkeley — Berkeley, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Marqusee, Susan — University of California Berkeley
- Study coordinator: Marqusee, Susan
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.