Designing new drugs that target and degrade specific proteins in cells
Official title: Rational PROTAC design enabled by integrated in silico molecular modeling and in vitro biomimetic affinity assessment
Funded at University of California Riverside · NIH-10894097 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring a new type of medicine that helps your body get rid of harmful proteins that can cause diseases like cancer, using smart computer tools and lab techniques to make these treatments work better for you.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Riverside NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Riverside, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $187,597 |
| NIH project number | 5R21GM151651-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10894097 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients with cancers that involve proteins currently considered 'undruggable'.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to the targeted proteins or those who do not have cancer may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a new class of drugs called PROTACs, which can selectively degrade harmful proteins in cells using the body's natural protein disposal systems. By utilizing advanced computer modeling and laboratory techniques, the researchers aim to better understand how these drugs interact with proteins and improve their effectiveness. The goal is to create more efficient treatments for diseases, particularly cancers, by targeting proteins that are difficult to address with traditional therapies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective cancer treatments with fewer side effects.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using PROTACs for targeting difficult proteins, indicating a potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California Riverside
Riverside, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cheng, Quan Jason — University of California Riverside
- Study coordinator: Cheng, Quan Jason
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.