Exploring how metal ions in proteins help create important biological compounds
Metalloenzyme structure, function and assembly
This study is looking at special proteins that help your body make DNA and fight off cancer and viruses, and it aims to find new ways to create treatments that could help patients like you.
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 ID | NIH-11075335 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of metalloenzymes, which are proteins that contain metal ions, in catalyzing essential chemical reactions in the body. By using advanced structural methods, the research aims to understand how these enzymes facilitate the conversion of ribonucleotides to deoxyribonucleotides, a crucial step in DNA synthesis, and how they help produce anticancer and antiviral compounds. The study also focuses on how these enzymes manage radical species and enable long-range electron transfer, which is vital for various biochemical processes. Patients may benefit from insights gained into the development of new therapeutic agents targeting cancer and viral infections.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients with cancer or viral infections who may benefit from new treatment options.
Not a fit: Patients with conditions unrelated to cancer or viral infections may not receive any benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of novel anticancer and antiviral therapies.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promising results in understanding metalloenzyme functions, indicating potential for breakthroughs in therapeutic applications.
Where this research is happening
Cambridge, United States
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology — Cambridge, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Drennan, Catherine L — Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- Study coordinator: Drennan, Catherine L
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.