Understanding how specific proteins in plants affect their growth and development
Official title: Structural and Functional Analysis of Nucleocytoplasmic Protein O-Glycosyltransferases in Plants
Funded at Duke University · NIH-10914081 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how two special proteins help plants grow and adapt to their environment by changing other proteins, and it’s for anyone interested in understanding how plants respond to different conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $419,195 |
| NIH project number | 5R01GM150029-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10914081 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are those involved in agricultural sciences or plant biology, particularly those studying crop development and resilience.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with no interest or involvement in plant biology or agriculture may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the roles of two important proteins, SPINDLY and SECRET AGENT, in the process of protein glycosylation in plants. By examining how these proteins modify transcription regulators, the study aims to uncover the molecular mechanisms that control plant growth and development in response to environmental changes. The researchers will utilize advanced techniques, including cryo-electron microscopy, to analyze the structures and functions of these proteins and their interactions with other cellular components. This work could provide insights into how plants adapt to their surroundings at a cellular level.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved agricultural practices by enhancing our understanding of plant growth regulation.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in understanding protein modifications in other organisms, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights in plants as well.
Where this research is happening
-
Duke University
Durham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhou, Pei — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Zhou, Pei
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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.