Investigating protein structures using advanced mass spectrometry techniques
Official title: Combining Absolute Quantitative Cross-Linking Mass Spectrometry and Molecular Modeling for Probing PROTAC-Mediated Ternary Complex Structures
Funded at New Jersey Institute of Technology · NIH-10793540 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring a new way to look at how proteins are structured and how they change shape, which could help us understand important biological processes better, and it's designed for scientists who work with proteins.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | New Jersey Institute of Technology NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Newark, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2023 |
| Project end | February 28, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $189,312 |
| NIH project number | 5R21GM148874-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10793540 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with conditions related to protein misfolding or dysfunction, such as certain genetic disorders or cancers.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to protein structure or function may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a new method for analyzing protein structures through absolute quantitative cross-linking mass spectrometry (aqCLMS). By measuring the distance between specific parts of proteins, researchers aim to better understand how proteins change shape and function in different environments. This innovative approach eliminates the need for standard reference materials, making it easier to obtain accurate measurements. The findings could significantly enhance our understanding of protein interactions and dynamics, which are crucial for many biological processes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved drug design and therapeutic strategies by providing deeper insights into protein behavior and interactions.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using mass spectrometry for protein analysis, indicating that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
New Jersey Institute of Technology
Newark, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chen, Hao — New Jersey Institute of Technology
- Study coordinator: Chen, Hao
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Placental exposure to tiny plastics and how they may affect pregnancy
Tiny plastic particles in the environment may reach pregnant bodies and developing placentas, potentially impacting pregnancy outcomes.
-
The role of social spaces in how we learn vocal communication
A study explores how moving and talking skills develop together in early life, using a bird model to understand how space and speech influence language development.
-
Role of directional stress in activating fibroblasts
This grant explores how directional forces in tissue affect fibroblast activation and memory, with potential to improve wound healing and prevent scarring.
-
New AI-powered tools for single-cell omics data
A research team will build user-friendly AI and statistical tools to analyze single-cell genomics data from diverse experiments to help biomedical researchers understand cell behavior.
-
Gas-filled microbubbles plus ultrasound to protect newborn brains after oxygen loss
This project uses tiny gas-filled microbubbles and ultrasound to deliver protective gases to newborns who suffered oxygen-deprived brain injury (hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy).
-
Turning heart energy into power for leadless heart pacemakers
A new approach aims to harvest energy from the heartbeat to power small leadless pacemakers, reducing the need for frequent battery changes in people with heart rhythm problems.
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.