Mapping where covalent cancer drugs bind inside whole tissues
A platform to identify in vivo targets of covalent cancer drugs in 3D tissues
This project will build a method to see which proteins covalent cancer drugs attach to inside 3D tissues so safer, more precise cancer treatments can be developed.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Scripps Research Institute, the NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11164710 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient's perspective, the team will use a tissue-clearing imaging method called CATCH together with chemoproteomics to create detailed 3D maps of where covalent cancer drugs bind across whole tissues. They will apply this approach in animal models and in lab-grown 3D tissues that mimic human organs to locate both intended targets and unintended off-targets. The method aims to reach cellular and molecular resolution so researchers can see which cell types and organs the drugs engage. These binding maps are intended to explain irreversible toxicities and guide the design of safer covalent therapies for cancer patients.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with cancers treated or being considered for covalent targeted therapies, or patients willing to donate tumor or tissue samples for research, would be the most relevant candidates.
Not a fit: Patients without cancer or whose treatments do not involve covalent drugs are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could help drug developers avoid harmful off-target effects and create safer, more effective covalent cancer medicines.
How similar studies have performed: Related chemical-proteomics and tissue-imaging methods have shown promise in lab and animal work, but combining whole-body 3D imaging with chemoproteomics for covalent drug mapping is a novel advance.
Where this research is happening
La Jolla, United States
- Scripps Research Institute, the — La Jolla, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ye, Li — Scripps Research Institute, the
- Study coordinator: Ye, Li
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.