How flexible, shape‑shifting proteins behave and form complexes
Calculating Ensembles of Discrete Dynamic Complexes and Condensed States of Intrinsically Disordered Proteins
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA BERKELEY · NIH-11294293
Researchers are building computer and machine‑learning tools to map how flexible 'intrinsically disordered' proteins move and stick together, which could help conditions linked to those proteins such as some forms of autism.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA BERKELEY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (BERKELEY, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11294293 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
If you or a loved one has autism, this work looks at proteins that don't hold a single shape and how they move and interact. The team combines experimental measurements, physics‑based simulations, Bayesian statistical models, and new machine‑learning methods to generate many possible protein shapes (ensembles). They are creating software and shared ensemble data so other scientists and clinicians can use the results. The goal is to link these dynamic protein patterns to biological functions that may be relevant to autism.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with autism, especially those with genetic findings implicating disordered proteins or those contributing biospecimens for research, would be most relevant to this work.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate treatment changes or those whose conditions are unrelated to disordered‑protein biology are unlikely to get direct benefits from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could clarify molecular changes involving disordered proteins and point to new diagnostic markers or therapy targets for conditions like autism.
How similar studies have performed: Previous computational and experimental work has improved descriptions of individual disordered proteins, but integrating physics, Bayesian selection, and novel machine‑learning ensemble tools remains an emerging and partly novel approach.
Where this research is happening
BERKELEY, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA BERKELEY — BERKELEY, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: HEAD-GORDON, TERESA L. — UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA BERKELEY
- Study coordinator: HEAD-GORDON, TERESA 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.
Conditions: Autistic Disorder