How membrane proteins' sequences and movements control their function
Elucidating sequence, structural and dynamic basis of the functional regulation of membrane proteins
Researchers are building computer tools to predict how changes in membrane transporters and receptors alter their shape and behavior, which could help people with conditions linked to these proteins.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Champaign, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11191598 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project combines computer modeling and laboratory mutation experiments to see how membrane proteins like monoamine transporters and Class C GPCRs change shape and function. The team will use transfer learning and molecular dynamics simulations together with deep mutagenesis data to map the effects of many different mutations. By matching lab-measured mutation effects with simulations, they aim to reveal the atomic-level steps these proteins take when they work or malfunction. The work is done at the University of Illinois and focuses on using computational tools to guide experiments and interpret results.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with neurological or psychiatric conditions linked to monoamine transporters, known genetic variants in transporters or Class C GPCRs, or those interested in donating genetic or cell-sample data for research would be most relevant.
Not a fit: Patients whose conditions are unrelated to membrane transporters or GPCRs, or those seeking immediate clinical therapies, are unlikely to see direct benefit from this basic research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could reveal how specific mutations change transporter and receptor behavior and point to new drug targets or more precise treatments.
How similar studies have performed: Related efforts combining deep mutagenesis and modeling have recently revealed active receptor structures, but using transfer learning to predict mutation effects across multiple transporter and GPCR families is a newer approach.
Where this research is happening
Champaign, United States
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign — Champaign, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shukla, Diwakar — University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
- Study coordinator: Shukla, Diwakar
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.