Creating new proteins that can bind metal cofactors for chemical reactions

De novo design of functional metallocofactor-binding proteins

NIH-funded research University of California Riverside · NIH-11092399

This study is all about creating new proteins that can help make better medicines by controlling how certain chemicals react, which could lead to improved treatments for patients.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of California Riverside NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Riverside, United States)
Project IDNIH-11092399 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on designing new metalloenzymes, which are proteins that can bind metal cofactors and perform specific chemical reactions. By understanding how these proteins work, the research aims to create proteins from scratch that can stabilize powerful oxidants and control their reactivity. The approach involves using computational methods to design proteins with specific structures that enhance their ability to bind substrates and influence the outcome of chemical reactions. Patients may benefit from advancements in drug development and therapies that utilize these engineered proteins.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research would include individuals with conditions that could be treated by new anti-inflammatory agents or other drugs developed from these engineered proteins.

Not a fit: Patients with conditions unrelated to the biochemical pathways targeted by these engineered proteins may not receive any benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of novel therapies and drugs that utilize engineered proteins for improved treatment options.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown success in designing proteins with specific functions, indicating that this approach has potential for breakthroughs in therapeutic applications.

Where this research is happening

Riverside, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.