Exploring luminescent proteins and their interactions with gold compounds
Official title: Investigating common luminophore in protein-metal nano-complexes
Funded at University of North Carolina Charlotte · NIH-10875724 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring how special glowing proteins work with tiny gold particles to develop new materials that could help with medical imaging and treatments, aiming to find patterns in the proteins that make them glow.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R15 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of North Carolina Charlotte NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charlotte, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $448,536 |
| NIH project number | 1R15GM154313-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10875724 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals interested in cutting-edge biomedical technologies, particularly those with conditions that could benefit from improved imaging or nanomedicine applications.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to imaging or nanomedicine may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how luminescent proteins interact with gold nanoparticles to create new materials for applications in imaging and nanomedicine. By examining the dynamic nature of proteins and their conformational changes, the study aims to identify a common motif in amino acids that contributes to luminescence. The approach combines advanced techniques in biochemistry and bioinformatics to understand the mechanisms behind these interactions, which could lead to innovative biomedical applications.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of advanced imaging and sensing technologies that improve diagnostic and therapeutic options for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using luminescent proteins for biomedical applications, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
University of North Carolina Charlotte
Charlotte, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Egusa, Shunji — University of North Carolina Charlotte
- Study coordinator: Egusa, Shunji
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Understanding how fetal male germ cells fix DNA breaks
Researchers are studying how DNA damage in fetal male germ cells is repaired to keep future sperm healthy.
-
Automated single-cell heart cell measurements to test drugs
A new automated system will quickly measure electrical signals and beating force in heart cells derived from a patient’s own stem cells to help predict drug safety.
-
Innate Immune Trigger to Boost Bone Infection Defense
Researchers are testing a way to wake up the body's own innate immune system to fight stubborn bone infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus, aiming to help people with osteomyelitis fight bacteria more effectively.
-
Targeting Perp in pancreatic cancer and its muscle wasting
This NIH grant explores a gene called Perp as a potential target to slow pancreatic cancer growth and reduce cachexia in patients.
-
Substance P and worsening bone infection from staph bacteria
Aims to understand if a nerve-related molecule called substance P makes bone infection from Staphylococcus aureus worse.
-
Deciphering Pemphigus Risk Through Immune Gene Maps
A study to map the genetic and immune signals that raise the risk of pemphigus, a rare autoimmune skin disease, in adults.
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.