Improving methods to crystallize biological macromolecules for better structural analysis
Official title: National HTX Center: Enabling Access to State-of-the-Art Crystallization Capabilities
Funded at Hauptman-Woodward Medical Research Inst · NIH-10887482 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on better ways to grow crystals from important biological molecules, which helps scientists understand how these molecules work, and this could eventually lead to new treatments and a better understanding of diseases for patients like you.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Hauptman-Woodward Medical Research Inst NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Buffalo, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2021 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $947,814 |
| NIH project number | 5R24GM141256-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10887482 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for benefiting from this research include individuals with diseases that could be better understood through improved structural biology techniques, such as cancer or genetic disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to the structural biology of macromolecules may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing the techniques used to crystallize biological macromolecules, which is crucial for understanding their structure. By utilizing high-throughput screening methods and specialized imaging technologies, the project aims to identify optimal conditions for crystallization. The High-Throughput Crystallization Screening Center will provide resources to assist scientists in overcoming challenges related to crystallization, ultimately aiding in the determination of macromolecular structures. Patients may benefit indirectly through advancements in drug development and disease understanding that arise from improved structural biology techniques.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to significant advancements in drug development and personalized medicine by providing clearer insights into the structures of important biological molecules.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in using high-throughput crystallization techniques to improve the understanding of macromolecular structures, indicating that this approach is promising.
Where this research is happening
-
Hauptman-Woodward Medical Research Inst
Buffalo, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bowman, Sarah Elizabeth Johnson — Hauptman-Woodward Medical Research Inst
- Study coordinator: Bowman, Sarah Elizabeth Johnson
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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.