Improving protein language models for better biomedical applications
Official title: Structure-Function-Aware Large Protein Language Models for Enhanced Biomedical Applications
Funded at University of Kentucky · NIH-11123309 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on improving computer models that understand proteins, which could help create better treatments for cancer and infections by predicting how proteins behave and interact.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Kentucky NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Lexington, United States) |
| Project start | June 21, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $325,780 |
| NIH project number | 5R01LM014510-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11123309 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research include individuals with cancer or bacterial infections who may respond to targeted therapies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to protein function or structure may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing large protein language models by incorporating knowledge of protein structures and functions. It aims to overcome existing challenges in applying these models to biomedical tasks by developing methods that allow for accurate predictions of protein properties. The approach includes using advanced techniques like multi-view contrastive learning and reinforcement learning to adapt the models for specific biomedical applications. Patients may benefit from improved therapies targeting cancer and bacterial resistance through better understanding of protein interactions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for cancer and bacterial infections by improving the understanding of protein functions.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using advanced protein modeling techniques, indicating potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Kentucky
Lexington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shao, Qing — University of Kentucky
- Study coordinator: Shao, Qing
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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.