Mapping and targeting cysteine sites on proteins outside cells
Chemical proteomic mapping and functional manipulation of extracellular proteinaceous cysteines
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY · NIH-11192334
This project builds tools to find and change reactive cysteine spots on proteins that sit outside cells to help researchers discover new drug targets for people with protein-related diseases.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (Chicago, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11192334 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers will use chemical probes to tag and map reactive cysteine residues on proteins found in the space outside cells. They will apply cysteine-directed chemical proteomics and activity-based protein profiling to identify which extracellular cysteines are unmodified and reactive in different biological contexts. The team will test small molecules that bind or modify those cysteines to see how protein function changes. Findings aim to point to new targets for drugs or diagnostics that act on extracellular protein sites.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants would be people willing to donate blood or tissue samples for laboratory analysis or who might later join early trials of drugs that target extracellular protein cysteines.
Not a fit: Patients whose conditions are unrelated to extracellular protein function or who cannot provide samples are unlikely to gain direct benefit from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new drug targets and ways to modulate proteins outside cells, potentially leading to novel treatments or diagnostics.
How similar studies have performed: Cysteine-directed proteomics has successfully mapped and drugged intracellular cysteines before, but applying these methods to extracellular cysteines is a newer and less-tested direction.
Where this research is happening
Chicago, UNITED STATES
- NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY — Chicago, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: ZHANG, XIAOYU — NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: ZHANG, XIAOYU
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 below.