Enhancing the detection of low-abundance proteins in the human body

Improving the Sensitivity and Selectivity of Laser Desorption Ionization Using N-Heterocyclic Carbene Mass Ionization Tags

NIH-funded research University of Notre Dame · NIH-10952418

This study is working on better ways to find tiny amounts of important proteins in the body that can help doctors understand health issues, so patients can get more accurate tests and better care.

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Notre Dame NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Notre Dame, United States)
Project IDNIH-10952418 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on improving the methods used to detect low-abundance proteins, known as proteoforms, which are often overlooked in current medical testing. By developing new chemical techniques to enhance the ionization process in mass spectrometry, the study aims to make it easier to identify these elusive proteins that play critical roles in health and disease. Patients may benefit from more accurate diagnostics and better understanding of their conditions as a result of this enhanced detection capability.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with conditions that may involve low-abundance proteins, which are currently difficult to detect.

Not a fit: Patients with well-characterized conditions that do not involve low-abundance proteins may not receive significant benefits from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved diagnostic tools that allow for the detection of previously unidentified proteins, potentially leading to better disease understanding and treatment options.

How similar studies have performed: While the approach of enhancing ionization efficiency in mass spectrometry is innovative, similar strategies have shown promise in other proteomic studies, indicating potential for success.

Where this research is happening

Notre Dame, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.