Developing a new method to determine the atomic structures of proteins using advanced imaging techniques.
Official title: Combining native protein mass spectrometry with serial electron diffraction to solve atomic structures of mass selected macromolecules
Funded at Oregon State University · NIH-10906007 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a new way to take detailed pictures of proteins, which are important for understanding diseases and developing new medicines, so that patients can benefit from better treatments in the future.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Oregon State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Corvallis, United States) |
| Project start | August 11, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $344,605 |
| NIH project number | 5R01GM149881-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10906007 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with conditions related to protein misfolding or dysfunction, such as certain genetic disorders or diseases like Alzheimer's.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to protein structures or those not requiring advanced molecular imaging techniques may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on creating a novel instrument that combines native protein mass spectrometry with electron diffraction to accurately determine the atomic structures of macromolecules like proteins. By embedding proteins in superfluid helium droplets and using electric fields, the researchers aim to align these proteins for precise imaging. This innovative approach allows for the collection of detailed diffraction patterns, which can then be analyzed to derive the electrostatic potential and structure of the proteins. Patients may benefit from this research as it could lead to a better understanding of protein structures, which is crucial for drug development and disease treatment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance the understanding of protein structures, leading to improved drug design and therapies for various diseases.
How similar studies have gone: While the combination of these techniques is innovative, similar approaches in protein structure determination have shown promise in other studies, indicating potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Oregon State University
Corvallis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kong, Wei — Oregon State University
- Study coordinator: Kong, Wei
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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.