Finding small molecules that control the cell's protein recycling system
Novel platforms for the discovery of bioactive small molecules
This project develops new tools to discover chemicals that can boost or redirect the cell's protein-recycling machinery, which could help people with aging-related or degenerative conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Florida NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Gainesville, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11260280 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will create a new bead-based version of DNA-encoded libraries to make and screen thousands of small molecules by mixing them with labeled proteins. They will use these screens to find molecules that bind to the proteasome and other proteins in the cell's protein-clearance pathway. The team aims to make probe molecules and early drug leads that can either activate the proteasome or deliver target proteins directly to it without the usual ubiquitylation step. They will also optimize screening methods that work in living cells to find compounds useful for models of aging and degenerative disease.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with conditions linked to proteasome or protein-clearance problems—for example some neurodegenerative disorders or age-related proteostasis decline—are the most relevant patient group for the long-term goals of this work.
Not a fit: Patients with conditions unrelated to protein homeostasis or those seeking immediate clinical treatments are unlikely to gain direct benefit from this early-stage laboratory research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could produce new drugs or research tools that restore protein balance in cells and potentially slow or treat some aging-related and neurodegenerative diseases.
How similar studies have performed: Existing DNA-encoded library approaches have successfully found protein-binding molecules, but the bead-based screening and direct-to-proteasome degrader concepts are novel and less tested.
Where this research is happening
Gainesville, United States
- University of Florida — Gainesville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kodadek, Thomas J. — University of Florida
- Study coordinator: Kodadek, Thomas J.
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.