Understanding the enzyme that removes sugar tags from proteins (O-GlcNAcase)
Structural insights into the functional regulation of O-GlcNAcase
This research will look at how the O-GlcNAcase enzyme removes sugar tags from proteins and how that affects conditions like cancer and neurodegeneration.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Wisconsin-Madison NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Madison, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11470306 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will determine the enzyme's full 3D structure and test how different parts of O-GlcNAcase help it bind and process many protein targets. The team will use high-resolution structural imaging, biochemical binding experiments, and targeted mutations to map substrate recognition and non-catalytic functions. They will study how OGA activity is regulated in cells under different nutrient and stress conditions. The results will provide a detailed blueprint to guide development of drugs that more precisely change OGA activity.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients with cancers or neurodegenerative disorders linked to abnormal O-GlcNAc protein modifications would be most relevant for future therapies or sample-donation efforts.
Not a fit: People with conditions unrelated to O-GlcNAc pathway changes or those seeking immediate clinical treatment are unlikely to benefit directly from this basic lab research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could enable development of more precise and safer drugs that target OGA for cancers and neurodegenerative diseases.
How similar studies have performed: Structural studies of related enzymes have supported drug development, but a complete human OGA structure and detailed substrate-recognition model remain relatively novel and early-stage.
Where this research is happening
Madison, United States
- University of Wisconsin-Madison — Madison, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jiang, Jiaoyang — University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Study coordinator: Jiang, Jiaoyang
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.