CRISPR-style tools to map how protein states affect human biology
Official title: Direct, large-scale perturbation and mapping of protein function in human cells
Funded at Boston University (Charles River Campus) · NIH-11412743 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new CRISPR-inspired approach will systematically perturb protein conformations in human cells to reveal how different protein states influence cellular and disease-related outcomes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston University (Charles River Campus) NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | September 4, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $1,144,500 |
| NIH project number | 1DP1EB041697-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11412743 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are patients with conditions driven by protein misregulation where future diagnostics or therapies could be developed, though this grant is a basic-science tool rather than a direct patient trial.
✕Less likely to help
No immediate patient benefit; the project develops methods that may enable future patient-focused research.
What this research studies
This project aims to create a new class of nanobody-based probes that can perturb protein conformations in a controlled, multiplexed way, similar to how CRISPR perturbs genes. By developing a pooled, scalable screening platform, researchers will map how shifts in protein states relate to cellular phenotypes and disease signals. The work blends synthetic biology and evolution to generate genetically-encoded perturbations that uncover protein-level interactions at a genome-wide scale. The outcome could provide a powerful new lens for understanding disease mechanisms and identifying targets for therapy.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could benefit from a deeper understanding of disease biology and newer targets for treatment.
How similar studies have gone: Prior CRISPR-based genetic screens have transformed biology; this project extends the concept to protein states, which is novel and experimental.
Where this research is happening
-
Boston University (Charles River Campus)
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Khalil, Ahmad Samir — Boston University (Charles River Campus)
- Study coordinator: Khalil, Ahmad Samir
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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.