Improving methods for crystallizing proteins to aid in disease treatment

Expanding the capabilities and usage of the TELSAM protein crystallization chaperone

NIH-funded research Brigham Young University · NIH-10941284

This study is testing a new way to grow protein crystals using a special helper called TELSAM, which could make it much easier to study proteins linked to diseases and help develop better treatments for patients like you.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionBrigham Young University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Provo, United States)
Project IDNIH-10941284 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on developing a new protein crystallization method using a novel protein chaperone called TELSAM. By genetically fusing TELSAM to disease-related proteins, the team aims to create crystals that can be analyzed at atomic resolution, which is crucial for understanding molecular mechanisms of diseases. The TELSAM method significantly increases the success rate of crystallization from 30% to 90%, making it easier and faster to study proteins that are difficult to produce in large quantities. This advancement could streamline the process of drug development and lead to more effective treatments for various diseases.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Patients with diseases that are currently difficult to treat due to a lack of understanding of the underlying protein structures would be ideal candidates to benefit from this research.

Not a fit: Patients with conditions that are already well understood and have established treatments may not receive direct benefits from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to faster and more effective treatments for diseases by improving the understanding of protein structures.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown success with similar protein crystallization methods, indicating that this approach has the potential to be effective.

Where this research is happening

Provo, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.