# BCL10-MALT1 protein-protein interaction in lymphocyte function and dysfunction

> **NIH NIH K08** · UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH · 2024 · $172,316

## Abstract

The goal of this career development award is for the applicant to gain knowledge and technical expertise in
lymphocyte biology in order to advance our understanding of how the interaction between BCL10 and MALT1,
two critically important lymphocyte signaling proteins, influences lymphocyte function and dysfunction.
Knowledge gained during this career development award will provide new insights into the mechanism of
interaction between BCL10 and MALT1 as well as the molecular pathogenesis of immune disorders associated
with MALT1 dysregulation, including psoriasis and colitis. Experiments are designed with the ultimate goal of
determining the therapeutic potential of targeting the BCL10-MALT1 protein-protein interaction in these
inflammatory disorders. Specifically, the proposed studies will investigate how manipulation of the BCL10-
MALT1 interaction affects MALT1 activity, proinflammatory lymphocyte signaling, and progression of psoriasis
and colitis. The proposed experimental aims utilize sophisticated protein biochemistry techniques, in-depth in
vitro analyses of lymphocyte function, robust in vivo models of inflammatory disease, and detailed bioinformatic
analyses. The applicant has selected a mentor and co-mentor who have strong track records of both research
mentorship and scientific achievement and who are therefore well positioned to provide expert
guidance. Additionally, the applicant has constructed a career mentoring committee with expertise in developing
small molecule protein-protein interaction inhibitors, in lymphocyte biology, and in the analysis of animal models
of inflammatory disease. The applicant has also identified key collaborators with needed expertise in immune
dysfunction in psoriasis and in biostatistics. The University of Pittsburgh provides a fantastic environment in
which to launch an independent career as a productive biomedical scientist. The primary mentor and co-mentor
are committed to guiding the applicant towards a highly successful career as a physician scientist via a formal
program of scientific and professional milestone assessments. Key milestones emphasize the mastery of specific
scientific techniques, the development of research mentoring skills, the transition to senior/corresponding
authorship of scientific manuscripts and the preparation of the applicant to initiate her own independent
laboratory program. The applicant’s career development plan was carefully crafted to take full advantage of the
outstanding environment at University of Pittsburgh including graduate level course work in immunology and
biochemistry, workshops and formal coursework in bioinformatics, didactics in murine models of disease, face-
to-face career development workshops offered through the Office of Academic Career Development, and
workshops in Responsible Conduct of Research. The applicant has identified opportunities to present her work
locally as well as at national meetings. With full support of her mentor and co-mentor, t...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10865049
- **Project number:** 5K08AI177744-02
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH
- **Principal Investigator:** Lisa M Maurer
- **Activity code:** K08 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $172,316
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2023-06-12 → 2028-05-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10865049

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10865049, BCL10-MALT1 protein-protein interaction in lymphocyte function and dysfunction (5K08AI177744-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10865049. Licensed CC0.

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