Understanding ribosomal proteins' role in Diamond-Blackfan anemia
Official title: Functional diversity of large ribosomal protein 27 and small ribosomal protein 19 paralogs
Funded at Wake Forest University · NIH-11042490 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain proteins in our cells might be linked to Diamond-Blackfan anemia, a condition that makes it hard for the body to produce enough red blood cells, and it hopes to find new ways to help people with this condition by using a simple organism to learn more about these proteins.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R15 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Wake Forest University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Winston-Salem, United States) |
| Project start | September 20, 2024 |
| Project end | September 19, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $428,973 |
| NIH project number | 1R15GM157708-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11042490 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are infants and young children diagnosed with Diamond-Blackfan anemia.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other forms of anemia or those not diagnosed with Diamond-Blackfan anemia may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of specific ribosomal proteins in Diamond-Blackfan anemia (DBA), a rare condition where the bone marrow fails to produce enough red blood cells. By examining the gene expression of ribosomal proteins, the study aims to uncover how mutations in these proteins may contribute to the disease. The research will utilize the model organism Schizosaccharomyces pombe to explore the functional differences between two important ribosomal proteins, potentially leading to new insights into DBA and improved treatment options for affected patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and treatment options for patients with Diamond-Blackfan anemia.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of studying ribosomal protein paralogs in DBA is novel, similar research has shown promise in understanding ribosomal functions in other diseases.
Where this research is happening
-
Wake Forest University
Winston-Salem, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Reid, Ke Zhang — Wake Forest University
- Study coordinator: Reid, Ke Zhang
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.