Developing new protein binders to improve cancer treatment
Covalent Protein Binders for Cancer Research and Therapy
This study is exploring new ways to create special proteins that can stick to cancer-related proteins and help fight cancer more effectively, and it's testing these new treatments in the lab and in mice to see how well they can kill cancer cells and stop tumors from growing.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11015040 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on creating covalent protein binders that can effectively target and modulate protein-protein interactions involved in cancer. By designing new amino acids that can form stable covalent bonds with specific cancer-related proteins, the project aims to enhance the affinity and stability of these interactions compared to traditional noncovalent binders. The effectiveness of these covalent protein drugs will be tested in laboratory settings and in mouse models to evaluate their potential to kill cancer cells and inhibit tumor growth.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients with cancers that involve specific immune checkpoints and membrane receptors targeted by the covalent protein binders.
Not a fit: Patients with cancers not associated with the targeted proteins or those who do not respond to protein-based therapies may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective cancer therapies that improve patient outcomes.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown success with covalent small molecule drugs, indicating potential for similar breakthroughs with covalent protein therapies.
Where this research is happening
San Francisco, United States
- University of California, San Francisco — San Francisco, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wang, Lei — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Wang, Lei
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 below.