Understanding how proteins control important body structures
Role of POGLUT2 and POGLUT3 in regulating microfibril structure and function
This project aims to discover how specific proteins help build and maintain the tiny fibers that give strength and flexibility to our tissues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Georgia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Athens, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11159536 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Our bodies rely on tiny fibers, called microfibrils, to provide strength and elasticity to tissues like the lungs and blood vessels. These fibers are built from proteins like fibrillins, and problems with fibrillins can lead to serious conditions such as Marfan Syndrome, which affects the heart, lungs, and eyes. This work explores how two specific proteins, POGLUT2 and POGLUT3, add a sugar molecule to fibrillins and related proteins, which might be crucial for how these fibers form and function. By understanding this process, we hope to learn more about how these important body structures are regulated.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is relevant for individuals with conditions affecting connective tissues, such as Marfan Syndrome, as it explores the basic biology underlying these diseases.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate new treatments or direct clinical intervention would not directly benefit from this basic science project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to a deeper understanding of conditions like Marfan Syndrome and potentially identify new ways to develop treatments.
How similar studies have performed: While the presence of O-glucose modification on these proteins has been demonstrated, the specific impact of this modification on fibrillin or LTBP function is currently unknown, making this a novel area of investigation.
Where this research is happening
Athens, United States
- University of Georgia — Athens, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Haltiwanger, Robert S. — University of Georgia
- Study coordinator: Haltiwanger, Robert S.
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.