Developing proteins that can enter cells to target diseases
Official title: Protein Chemistry
Funded at Massachusetts Institute of Technology · NIH-11012326 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a new way to change proteins so they can easily enter cells and help treat diseases, which could lead to better treatments for conditions like cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts Institute of Technology NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cambridge, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $452,433 |
| NIH project number | 5R35GM148220-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11012326 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research would be patients with conditions that could benefit from targeted intracellular therapies, such as cancer or genetic disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions that do not involve intracellular targets or those who are not candidates for protein-based therapies may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on modifying proteins to enable them to penetrate cell membranes and act on intracellular targets, which is a significant limitation of current protein-based drugs. By using innovative chemical reactions involving diazo compounds, the researchers aim to create esterified proteins that can traverse the plasma membrane without losing their functionality. The study will explore how these modified proteins are taken up by cells and how they can be used to deliver therapeutic effects, such as cytotoxicity or tumor suppression. This approach could lead to new treatments for various diseases by enhancing the effectiveness of protein drugs.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for diseases by allowing protein drugs to target intracellular processes.
How similar studies have gone: While the concept of protein modification for enhanced cellular uptake is innovative, similar approaches have shown promise in preliminary studies, suggesting potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Cambridge, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Raines, Ronald T — Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- Study coordinator: Raines, Ronald T
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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.