Award
National Institute of General Medical Sciences 5R35GM158333-02
PTM-driven mechanisms of cell signaling
Recipient
Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah
Award Amount
$423,500.00
Ceiling
$423,500.00
Awarded
June 25, 2026
Identifier
5R35GM158333-02
Award for research on cell signaling mechanisms focusing on kinase regulation and autophagy, with implications for disease treatment.
Description
This project aims to uncover fundamental cell signaling mechanisms that can be targeted therapeutically in disease. It focuses on the regulation and function of kinases in the understudied 'dark kinome', particularly the ubiquitin-binding non-receptor tyrosine kinase TNK1. The research involves cell-based systems, biochemical assays, and mouse models to understand TNK1's role in sensing poly-ubiquitin and initiating inflammatory signaling. Additionally, the project investigates aggrephagy, a form of autophagy that clears toxic protein aggregates, and its links to inflammation and interferon signaling, with potential implications for neurodegenerative diseases.