Bioorthogonal chemistry to map and study protein interactions in cells
Official title: Bioorthogonal methods for unveiling chemical reactivity
Funded at Georgia Institute of Technology · NIH-11377629 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A researcher at Georgia Tech is developing safe chemistry tools to attach and remove small molecules to proteins inside living systems to identify targets and study protein interactions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Georgia Institute of Technology NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $464,032 |
| NIH project number | 5R01GM149693-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11377629 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are patients whose diseases involve protein interactions identified by the developed tools (e.g., conditions where protein targets of small molecules are relevant).
✕Less likely to help
Some patients may not directly benefit if their disease does not involve the identified protein interactions or targets.
What this research studies
This project aims to create N-oxide–based chemistry that can attach small molecules to proteins in a reversible way, allowing temporary modification without permanently altering biology. It will develop reactive species for finding molecular targets of bioactive compounds, plus proximity labeling tools to map protein communities around those targets. The work also focuses on making directing groups that work well in biological settings, so these tools can be used in living cells. The overall approach emphasizes bioorthogonal reactions that can occur inside biological systems without disrupting normal function.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could benefit from better understanding of how drugs interact with proteins, potentially leading to more precise therapies.
How similar studies have gone: Similar proximity labeling and bioorthogonal chemistry approaches have shown promise in mapping protein interactions in biological contexts.
Where this research is happening
-
Georgia Institute of Technology
Atlanta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kim, Justin — Georgia Institute of Technology
- Study coordinator: Kim, Justin
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Integrative AI tools to map protein sequences to structures and functions
A scientist team will develop advanced AI methods to better connect protein sequences, their 3D shapes, and how they work, using large biological data from sequencing and structures.
-
Robotic ultrasound-guided clot removal for stroke treatment
A new robot-assisted ultrasound system is being developed to help quickly reopen brain arteries during a stroke, with testing in patient-specific 3D-printed models and animal studies.
-
siRNA nanoparticle treatment to stop diabetic kidney damage
A new nanoparticle-delivered gene-silencing treatment aims to lower kidney inflammation in people with diabetes to help protect their kidneys.
-
Nanosensor blood test to spot early pancreatic cancer fingerprints
This project will use a nanosensor blood test to detect early-stage pancreatic cancer by reading a disease 'fingerprint' in patient serum.
-
Synergistic blood-brain barrier opening and targeted glioma treatment with pulsed electric fields
A new approach uses tiny, rapid electric pulses to safely disrupt the brain's protective barrier and enhance targeted treatment for malignant glioma.
-
Dexterous needle ablation for ventricular arrhythmia guided by MRI
A new MRI-guided, robot-assisted catheter delivers deeper heart tissue ablation to treat ventricular tachycardia.
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.