Advanced mass spectrometry for studying large biological molecules
Official title: High-Resolution Tandem Mass Spectrometer to Support Large Molecule Structural Characterization
Funded at University of California Los Angeles · NIH-11097756 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is using a special machine to look closely at big molecules in the body to better understand how they work, especially in diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, which could help find new ways to treat these conditions for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Los Angeles NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project start | May 15, 2025 |
| Project end | May 14, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $1,574,994 |
| NIH project number | 1S10OD038149-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11097756 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research include individuals diagnosed with neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's or Parkinson's, as well as those with related health issues.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to the biomolecular interactions being studied may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on utilizing a cutting-edge hybrid high-resolution tandem mass spectrometer to analyze the structure of large biological and synthetic molecules. By employing advanced techniques such as electrospray ionization and various activation methods, the research aims to enhance our understanding of biomolecular interactions, including those related to neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. The instrument will support multiple NIH-funded projects, enabling detailed studies of protein interactions, therapeutic compounds, and more, which could lead to significant advancements in treatment strategies. Patients may benefit from the insights gained into the molecular mechanisms of their conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and treatment options for patients with neurodegenerative diseases and other serious health conditions.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research utilizing advanced mass spectrometry techniques has shown promising results in understanding complex biomolecular structures and interactions, indicating a strong potential for success in this area.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California Los Angeles
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Loo, Joseph a — University of California Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Loo, Joseph a
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Understanding how genetic changes in blood cells relate to heart disease in people with HIV
A study will look at how age-related blood cell mutations and large chromosomal changes might contribute to heart disease risk in people living with HIV.
-
Systems genetics of vascular smooth muscle phenotypes in heart disease
Aims to understand how genetic differences influence vascular smooth muscle cells to improve prevention and treatment of coronary artery disease.
-
Motivation for Alcohol Use in Humans and How It Can Be Measured
This grant explores how people are motivated to drink alcohol and tests a safe, controlled way to study that motivation to inform better treatments for alcohol use disorder.
-
Overcoming CAR T cell resistance with tumor-targeted IL-12 to boost anti-tumor immunity
Aims to make CAR T cell therapy work better for solid tumors by using tumor-focused IL-12 to boost the body’s attack on cancer.
-
PediCODE: A Biorepository and Consortium for CoDE - Congenital Diarrhea and Enteropathy
A nationwide effort to collect clinical data and patient-derived samples to uncover the genetic causes of congenital diarrhea and enteropathy and to build a resource that helps researchers study these diseases.
-
Mentor Moms+: a community-led plan to cut alcohol use and HIV risk during pregnancy in South Africa
A community-based program adapts a trusted peer-led model to help pregnant and lactating people reduce alcohol use and HIV risk in South Africa.
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.