Understanding Protein Changes in Cells Related to Cancer and Aging
Protein N-terminal Methylation Mechanisms and Inhibition
This research explores how certain changes to proteins in our cells, called N-terminal methylation, affect important processes like cell division and DNA repair, especially in conditions like cancer and aging.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Purdue University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (West Lafayette, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11041124 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Our cells constantly make and change proteins, and one important change is called N-terminal methylation, which helps regulate how cells divide, how DNA is organized, and how DNA repairs itself. This project aims to fill gaps in our understanding of these fundamental biological processes by developing new chemical tools to study how this protein change works. We will also look closely at a specific enzyme, methyltransferase like 13, to understand how it targets certain proteins for this modification. By learning more about these protein changes, we hope to find new ways to develop treatments for diseases.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is relevant to patients with various cancers or age-related conditions, as it explores basic cellular processes that go awry in these diseases.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate direct treatment or diagnostic tools will not find direct benefit from this basic science research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to a clearer understanding of how protein changes contribute to diseases like cancer and aging, potentially opening doors for new therapeutic strategies.
How similar studies have performed: While the importance of this protein modification is increasingly recognized, there are still major gaps in understanding its fundamental biological processes, making this a novel and underexplored area.
Where this research is happening
West Lafayette, United States
- Purdue University — West Lafayette, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Huang, Rong — Purdue University
- Study coordinator: Huang, Rong
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.