Enhancing the study of membrane-binding proteins using advanced spectroscopy techniques
Official title: UV Plasmon-Enhanced Chiroptical Spectroscopy of Membrane-Binding Proteins
Funded at Boston University (Charles River Campus) · NIH-10933425 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on better ways to look at important proteins that stick to cell membranes, using special techniques to get clear details about them without complicated steps, which could help us learn more about how these proteins work in our bodies.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston University (Charles River Campus) NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | September 23, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $346,500 |
| NIH project number | 5R01GM150225-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10933425 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with conditions that involve membrane-binding proteins, such as certain cancers or neurodegenerative diseases.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to membrane-binding proteins may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on improving the techniques used to analyze membrane-binding proteins, which are crucial for understanding various biological processes. By combining circular dichroism (CD) and Raman optical activity (ROA) spectroscopies, the study aims to provide detailed structural information about these proteins without the need for complex sample preparations. The researchers will develop new methods that utilize plasmonic nanoantennas to enhance the sensitivity of these spectroscopic techniques, allowing for better characterization of proteins that are typically difficult to study. This could lead to significant advancements in our understanding of protein functions and interactions in biological systems.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to breakthroughs in the understanding and treatment of diseases related to membrane-binding proteins.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in enhancing spectroscopic techniques for biomolecular analysis, indicating that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Boston University (Charles River Campus)
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Reinhard, Bjoern Markus — Boston University (Charles River Campus)
- Study coordinator: Reinhard, Bjoern Markus
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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.