How cell chaperone proteins and kinases work
Structure and functional mechanisms of molecular chaperones and protein kinases
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · ST. JUDE CHILDREN'S RESEARCH HOSPITAL · NIH-11291283
Researchers are looking at how protein 'chaperones' and cancer-linked kinases like BRAF and SRC behave at the atomic level to better understand cancer biology.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | ST. JUDE CHILDREN'S RESEARCH HOSPITAL (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (MEMPHIS, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11291283 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
The team uses NMR spectroscopy plus biochemical and biophysical methods to map detailed shapes and movements of molecular chaperones (like Hsp40, Hsp70, Hsp90) and protein kinases. They study how chaperones bind and fold misbehaving proteins and how kinases' internal motions control their activity. Much of the work looks at atomic-resolution structures and dynamics of protein complexes to reveal how these machines work. Findings aim to point to new ways to influence these proteins in cancer and other diseases tied to protein misfolding.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with cancers driven by kinase mutations such as BRAF (or those interested in contributing tumor or biospecimens) may find this research most relevant.
Not a fit: Patients with conditions unrelated to kinase-driven cancers or protein-misfolding processes are unlikely to gain direct benefit from this basic lab-focused work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new targets or strategies for drugs that block cancer-driving kinases or correct harmful protein misfolding.
How similar studies have performed: High-resolution structural studies of kinases have helped develop kinase-targeted drugs before, but applying atomic-level dynamics to chaperone–client interactions is a newer and less-explored approach.
Where this research is happening
MEMPHIS, UNITED STATES
- ST. JUDE CHILDREN'S RESEARCH HOSPITAL — MEMPHIS, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: KALODIMOS, CHARALAMPOS — ST. JUDE CHILDREN'S RESEARCH HOSPITAL
- Study coordinator: KALODIMOS, CHARALAMPOS
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.
Conditions: Cancers