How water helps proteins fold and work
Water as essential building blocks to direct protein structure and function
This research looks at how water shapes protein folding and activity, focusing on proteins linked to diseases like Alzheimer's as well as proteins used as light sensors.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwestern University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11260571 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient point of view, scientists in this project use lab experiments to see how water molecules guide proteins into specific shapes, including pathological tau proteins connected to Alzheimer’s. They map how light-responsive flavonoid proteins change shape and how antifreeze-like molecules interact with ice using physical measurements and molecular imaging. The team also measures how ordered layers of water near cell membranes affect protein action with biophysical tools. This is fundamental laboratory research aimed at discoveries that could inform future therapies rather than a clinical treatment right now.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with tau-related neurodegenerative diseases (for example Alzheimer's disease or frontotemporal dementia) are the most relevant group for eventual translation of this work.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate treatment improvements or those with conditions unrelated to protein misfolding are unlikely to see direct benefit from this basic science program.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new ways to prevent or control harmful protein assemblies and inspire therapies for diseases like Alzheimer's.
How similar studies have performed: Previous work on protein folding and tau pathology has yielded important insights, but treating water itself as an organizing element is a newer and more exploratory approach.
Where this research is happening
Chicago, United States
- Northwestern University — Chicago, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Han, Songi — Northwestern University
- Study coordinator: Han, Songi
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.