Developing small tags to improve protein functionality
Official title: Minimal Protein Affinity Tags
Funded at Trinity University · NIH-10580230 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring tiny tags made of just 1-2 building blocks that can help make proteins easier to purify and more useful, like adding a glow-in-the-dark feature, which could lead to better treatments for various health conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R15 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Trinity University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Antonio, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2021 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2022 |
| Award (this year) | $99,637 |
| NIH project number | 3R15GM141708-01S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10580230 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who require treatments involving protein pharmaceuticals or bioactive peptides.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not use protein-based therapies or have conditions unrelated to protein functionality may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on creating minimal protein affinity tags that consist of just 1-2 amino acids. These tags are designed to enhance the purification and solubility of proteins, as well as to add new functionalities, such as fluorescent labels. The approach involves using small synthetic receptors that can bind to these tags in a stable manner under physiological conditions. By optimizing these tags and their binding sites, the research aims to improve the effectiveness of protein pharmaceuticals and bioactive peptides.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective and versatile protein-based medications.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using affinity tags for protein modification, indicating that this approach could lead to significant advancements.
Where this research is happening
-
Trinity University
San Antonio, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Urbach, Adam Robert — Trinity University
- Study coordinator: Urbach, Adam Robert
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Developing small tags to improve protein functionality
This study is looking at new tiny tags made of just 1-2 building blocks that can help make proteins easier to purify and work better for medical treatments, so they can be more effective for people who need them.
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.