Understanding How Proteins Are Tagged in Cells
Expanding Mechanistic Insights into Protein Ubiquitylation
This project aims to understand how cells tag proteins, a fundamental process important for many body functions and linked to various diseases.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Washington NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11124758 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Our bodies use a special tagging system, called ubiquitylation, to control how proteins work and when they are removed. This tagging process is incredibly diverse and happens to almost every protein in our cells at some point. This project explores the machinery responsible for this tagging, specifically focusing on the enzymes E1, E2, and E3, which coordinate the process. By understanding these fundamental mechanisms, we hope to uncover new ways to address diseases where this tagging system goes wrong. Our past work includes studying the BRCA1/BARD1 proteins, which are important in breast cancer.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients with conditions linked to protein ubiquitylation, such as certain cancers (e.g., those related to BRCA1), could potentially benefit from future treatments developed from this foundational knowledge.
Not a fit: Patients whose conditions are not related to the cellular process of protein ubiquitylation may not directly benefit from this specific basic science work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: A deeper understanding of protein tagging could lead to new ways to target diseases, including cancer, where this cellular process is disrupted.
How similar studies have performed: This foundational work builds upon decades of research into protein ubiquitylation, with many discoveries already made about its role in health and disease.
Where this research is happening
Seattle, United States
- University of Washington — Seattle, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Klevit, Rachel E — University of Washington
- Study coordinator: Klevit, Rachel E
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.