Exploring a stable plant-derived protein to improve drug delivery
Using the Ultrastable Cyclotide Scaffold to Modulate Protein-protein Interactions
This study is looking at how special plant proteins can make medicine that uses proteins work better, especially for tough conditions like cancer, by helping them stay stable and get into the body more easily.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Southern California NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-10606537 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the use of ultrastable cyclotide scaffolds, which are plant-derived proteins, to enhance the effectiveness of protein-based therapeutics. By focusing on improving the stability and delivery of these proteins, the study aims to address common challenges faced by current protein therapeutics, such as their inability to penetrate biological membranes and their susceptibility to degradation. The approach involves synthesizing these cyclotides and evaluating their potential to modulate protein-protein interactions that are critical in various diseases, including cancer.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients with conditions that involve defective protein-protein interactions, such as certain cancers.
Not a fit: Patients with conditions unrelated to protein interactions 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 and accessible protein-based therapies for patients with various diseases.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in using alternative protein scaffolds for drug development, indicating a potential for success with this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
Los Angeles, UNITED STATES
- University of Southern California — Los Angeles, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Camarero, Julio a — University of Southern California
- Study coordinator: Camarero, Julio a
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.