How certain peptides interact with cell membranes
Official title: Interaction of β-Hairpin Peptides with Membranes
Funded at University of North Carolina Wilmington · NIH-10874257 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how tiny protein pieces called β-hairpin peptides interact with cell membranes, which could help us design better treatments and improve how medicines are delivered to patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R15 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of North Carolina Wilmington NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Wilmington, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $436,429 |
| NIH project number | 1R15GM146166-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10874257 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals interested in novel treatments that involve peptide-based therapies or drug delivery systems.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to peptide interactions or those not seeking innovative therapeutic approaches may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how β-hairpin peptides, which are short sequences of amino acids, interact with cell membranes. By studying their binding, folding, and insertion into synthetic lipid membranes, the research aims to uncover the fundamental processes that govern these interactions. The project will also explore how the sequence of these peptides affects their behavior in membranes, which could lead to advancements in designing new proteins for therapeutic applications. Patients may benefit from a better understanding of how these interactions can influence drug delivery and cellular processes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved methods for drug delivery and the development of new therapeutic proteins.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding peptide interactions with membranes, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of North Carolina Wilmington
Wilmington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Almeida, Paulo F — University of North Carolina Wilmington
- Study coordinator: Almeida, Paulo F
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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.