Understanding how proteins are degraded without ubiquitin
Official title: Characterization of a ubiquitin-independent pathway for proteasomal degradation
Funded at Brigham and Women's Hospital · NIH-10890115 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a new way that cells break down proteins without using a common signal, which could help us understand how protein regulation works and its impact on diseases like Alzheimer's.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Brigham and Women's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $136,350 |
| NIH project number | 5K99AG081456-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10890115 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with Alzheimer's disease or related neurodegenerative conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to protein degradation or those not affected by neurodegenerative diseases may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a newly discovered pathway for protein degradation that does not rely on ubiquitin, a common signal for protein breakdown. By using enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) fused with various peptides, the researchers aim to explore how these proteins are recognized and processed by the proteasome, the cell's main protein-degrading complex. The study will involve genetic and biochemical methods to identify the mechanisms and substrates involved in this ubiquitin-independent pathway. This could enhance our understanding of protein regulation and its implications for diseases like Alzheimer's.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new insights into protein degradation mechanisms, potentially informing treatments for conditions like Alzheimer's disease.
How similar studies have gone: While the ubiquitin-independent pathway is a relatively novel area of investigation, previous studies have shown promise in understanding alternative protein degradation mechanisms.
Where this research is happening
-
Brigham and Women's Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mena, Elijah L — Brigham and Women's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Mena, Elijah L
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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.