Investigating how certain proteins help botulinum neurotoxins function in the body
Official title: Structural studies of the OrfX-type progenitor toxin complex of botulinum neurotoxin
Funded at University of California-Irvine · NIH-11140224 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain proteins help a type of botulinum toxin work better in the body, which could lead to improved treatments for medical and cosmetic uses.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California-Irvine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Irvine, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2025 |
| Project end | February 28, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $616,816 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AI177428-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11140224 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research would include individuals undergoing treatments involving botulinum neurotoxins or those affected by conditions related to botulism.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not use or require botulinum toxin treatments or who have no history of botulism may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the structural properties of a specific type of botulinum neurotoxin complex produced by Clostridium bacteria. It aims to explore how non-toxic proteins associated with these neurotoxins protect them and facilitate their absorption in the gastrointestinal tract. By studying these interactions, the research seeks to uncover mechanisms that could improve therapeutic applications of botulinum neurotoxins, which are already used in various medical and aesthetic treatments. The approach involves detailed structural and functional analyses of the toxin complexes to better understand their biological processes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance the safety and efficacy of botulinum toxin treatments, potentially leading to improved therapies for conditions treated with these neurotoxins.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in understanding other types of botulinum toxin complexes, but the specific focus on the OrfX-type progenitor toxin complex is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California-Irvine
Irvine, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jin, Rongsheng — University of California-Irvine
- Study coordinator: Jin, Rongsheng
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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.