Creating a tool kit to study specific proteins involved in cell communication
Official title: Development of a nanobody tool kit to study connexin channels
Funded at University of California at Davis · NIH-10952384 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on creating tiny proteins called nanobodies that can specifically target important proteins in our cells, which help them communicate with each other, to better understand their role in health and diseases like ALS.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California at Davis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Davis, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $201,250 |
| NIH project number | 1R21GM155757-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10952384 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with conditions linked to connexin protein mutations, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, would be ideal candidates to benefit from this research.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to connexin proteins or those not affected by intercellular communication issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing nanobodies that can specifically target connexin proteins, which are essential for communication between cells. By using a llama's immune response, researchers will create a library of nanobodies that can distinguish between different forms of connexin proteins, particularly those involved in gap junctions and hemichannels. This approach aims to provide better tools for understanding how these proteins function in health and disease, potentially leading to new insights into conditions like amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and treatment options for diseases related to connexin dysfunction.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in using nanobodies for targeting specific proteins, indicating a promising approach for this study.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California at Davis
Davis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Contreras, Jorge Enrique — University of California at Davis
- Study coordinator: Contreras, Jorge Enrique
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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.