The control of signalling by members of the rhomboid-like superfamily.

Cells use a family of proteins called rhomboid-like proteins to control when and where growth factors and other signalling molecules are released, acting as traffic controllers inside the cell's membrane system. This matters because intercellular signalling governs nearly every aspect of human physiology—from development and immune responses to tissue repair. Until recently, rhomboid-like proteins were thought to be enzymes that cut other proteins. The researcher’s own work overturned that view, showing that most members of this superfamily lack cutting activity and instead function as regulatory adapters. They shepherd signalling proteins through the endoplasmic reticulum, determining whether those proteins get destroyed, modified, or sent onward to do their jobs. The gap in knowledge is how these adapters work at the molecular level, what physiological cues switch them on or off, and what goes wrong when they malfunction. If successful, this fundamental science will reveal a new layer of control over cell-to-cell communication. That deeper understanding could eventually point toward therapeutic strategies for diseases where signalling goes awry—such as cancer, inflammatory conditions, or developmental disorders—but the work is curiosity-driven, with no immediate practical application. Past discoveries about membrane trafficking have led to drugs for cystic fibrosis and cholesterol management; this line of research could open similar unexpected doors.