Making molecules that block sugar-binding proteins involved in disease
Official title: Technologies for Directed Evolution of Glycoaptamers
Funded at Brandeis University · NIH-11163411 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are developing fast lab methods to create small RNA-based molecules that can block proteins that bind sugars, to help people with conditions like atherosclerosis, diabetes, and arthritis.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Brandeis University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Waltham, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $317,507 |
| NIH project number | 5R01GM151492-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11163411 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People with diseases linked to carbohydrate-binding proteins—such as atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, certain fibrotic conditions, diabetes, or rheumatoid arthritis—might be considered for future studies.
✕Less likely to help
Because this is early-stage, lab-based technology, patients needing immediate treatment or whose conditions are not driven by CBPs are unlikely to see direct benefit in the near term.
What this research studies
The team is engineering modified RNA molecules (F-RNA) that present simple sugar pieces so specific carbohydrate-binding proteins (CBPs) recognize them. They will use directed evolution to create multivalent glyco-aptamers that display multiple sugars and monovalent versions where the RNA adds extra contacts for stronger, more specific binding. The project emphasizes making these aptamers resistant to degradation and selective for a chosen CBP. Promising candidates will be tested in lab models to see whether they can block CBP functions linked to diseases such as atherosclerosis and fibrosis.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could lead to new targeted therapies that block harmful sugar-binding proteins involved in heart disease, fibrosis, diabetes, and autoimmune disorders.
How similar studies have gone: RNA aptamers have reached clinical use in at least one case (pegaptanib for eye disease), but evolving glyco-aptamers specifically to target CBPs is a newer and largely untested approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Brandeis University
Waltham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Krauss, Isaac Jonathan — Brandeis University
- Study coordinator: Krauss, Isaac Jonathan
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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.