Understanding how proteins are managed in cell membranes
Official title: Hsp40 and Hsp70 in Membrane Protein Triage
Funded at Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill · NIH-10894119 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how certain proteins are made and folded in our cells, especially in the endoplasmic reticulum, and it focuses on how helpers like Hsp40 and Hsp70 work to get rid of incorrectly folded proteins that can cause diseases like cystic fibrosis and retinitis pigmentosa, with the hope of finding new ways to improve treatments for these conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chapel Hill, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $410,708 |
| NIH project number | 5R01GM151501-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10894119 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with genetic conditions that result in misfolded membrane proteins, such as cystic fibrosis or retinitis pigmentosa.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to membrane protein misfolding may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the complex process of membrane protein biogenesis, focusing on how certain proteins fold and assemble within the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). It examines the role of specific chaperones, like Hsp40 and Hsp70, in identifying and degrading misfolded proteins that can lead to diseases such as cystic fibrosis and retinitis pigmentosa. By studying the mechanisms that target these misfolded proteins for degradation, the research aims to uncover new insights into cellular quality control processes. Patients may benefit from a better understanding of how these processes can be manipulated to treat or prevent related diseases.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for diseases caused by misfolded membrane proteins.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in understanding protein misfolding and degradation mechanisms, indicating that this approach has potential for meaningful advancements.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cyr, Douglas M — Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
- Study coordinator: Cyr, Douglas 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.