Investigating how certain peptides form nanopores in cell membranes
Official title: Structure and Function of Direct Delivery Peptides
Funded at Tulane University of Louisiana · NIH-10915615 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at special tiny openings made by peptides that can help deliver medications directly into cells, which could lead to better treatments for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Tulane University of Louisiana NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Orleans, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $378,938 |
| NIH project number | 5R01GM151326-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10915615 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research would include individuals with conditions that could be treated with improved drug delivery systems.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions that do not involve membrane-related drug delivery issues may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the unique behavior of self-assembled peptide nanopores that create large openings in cell membranes. By examining how these peptides interact with lipids and water, the study aims to uncover new principles of peptide and protein assembly in biological membranes. The approach involves testing various peptide structures to understand their stability and function, which could lead to innovative applications in drug delivery and biotechnology. Patients may benefit from advancements in therapies that utilize these nanopores for targeted medication delivery.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new methods for delivering medications directly into cells more effectively.
How similar studies have gone: While the concept of peptide nanopores is being explored, this specific approach to understanding their stability and function is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
Tulane University of Louisiana
New Orleans, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wimley, William C — Tulane University of Louisiana
- Study coordinator: Wimley, William C
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.