Investigating how metal ions affect the structure of G-quadruplexes and their interactions with proteins
Official title: Examining G-quadruplex metal site heterogeneity and the influence of peptide binding using 2D IR spectroscopy
Funded at Southern Illinois University Carbondale · NIH-10730921 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at special structures in our DNA called G-quadruplexes and how metal ions like potassium and sodium affect them, which could help scientists find new ways to create medicines for diseases related to these structures.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R15 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Southern Illinois University Carbondale NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Carbondale, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $371,250 |
| NIH project number | 1R15GM151692-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10730921 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research would include individuals with diseases linked to G-quadruplexes, such as certain cancers or genetic disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to nucleic acid structures or those not affected by G-quadruplexes may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on G-quadruplexes, which are unique four-stranded structures formed by nucleic acids that play important roles in various biological processes and diseases. By using advanced two-dimensional infrared (2D IR) spectroscopy, the study aims to understand how metal ions like potassium and sodium influence the stability and interactions of these structures with proteins. This could lead to insights into how G-quadruplexes can be targeted for drug design. Patients may benefit from the findings as they could lead to new therapeutic strategies for diseases linked to G-quadruplexes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new drug development strategies targeting diseases associated with G-quadruplexes.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific application of 2D IR spectroscopy to G-quadruplexes is relatively novel, similar approaches have shown promise in understanding protein interactions in other contexts.
Where this research is happening
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Southern Illinois University Carbondale
Carbondale, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Moran, Sean D — Southern Illinois University Carbondale
- Study coordinator: Moran, Sean D
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.