NIH-funded research NIH-funded research

Understanding how proteins are modified by ubiquitination

Official title: Deciphering protein ubiquitination with chemical biology tools

Funded at University of Delaware · NIH-11140277 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how a process called ubiquitination affects how our cells work, especially in relation to diseases like cancer, and it aims to find new ways to create treatments by understanding how certain proteins interact with this process.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Delaware
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Newark, UNITED STATES)
Project startAugust 1, 2024
Project endMay 31, 2029
Funding year2025
Award (this year)$385,359
NIH project number5R35GM152011-02
Project IDNIH-11140277 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research would be individuals with cancers or conditions related to cellular signaling and protein degradation.

Less likely to help

Patients with conditions unrelated to ubiquitination or cellular signaling may not receive any benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates the process of ubiquitination, a crucial modification that affects many cellular functions in humans. By using advanced chemical biology tools, the team aims to explore how different types of ubiquitin chains influence cellular processes such as protein degradation and signaling. The study focuses on understanding the role of deubiquitinases (DUBs) in recognizing and modifying these chains, which could lead to new therapeutic targets for diseases like cancer. Patients may benefit from the development of novel drugs that target these mechanisms.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for various cancers and other diseases by targeting the ubiquitin system.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in targeting the ubiquitin system for therapeutic interventions, indicating that this approach could be effective.

Where this research is happening

  • University of Delaware
    Newark, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Zhuang, Zhihao — University of Delaware
  • Study coordinator: Zhuang, Zhihao

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.