New methods for sequencing proteins using engineered nanopores
Official title: Asymmetric Single-Chain MspA nanopores for electroosmotic stretching and sequencing proteins
Funded at Northeastern University · NIH-10646810 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on new ways to read and understand proteins one at a time, which could help us learn more about how our cells stay healthy or become sick, using tiny tools made from a special protein.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northeastern University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $1,999,597 |
| NIH project number | 1R01HG012553-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10646810 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with conditions that involve protein misfolding or abnormalities, such as certain genetic disorders or diseases like cancer.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have protein-related conditions or those who are not interested in advanced molecular diagnostics may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing innovative tools for identifying and sequencing proteins at a single-molecule level, which could greatly enhance our understanding of cellular health. The approach involves using specially engineered nanopores made from a protein called MspA to read the sequences of individual proteins. By modifying these nanopores and utilizing DNA to help move proteins through them, the researchers aim to achieve high accuracy in protein sequencing, even from very small samples. This could lead to significant advancements in how we analyze proteins and their functions in health and disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a groundbreaking method for accurately sequencing proteins, leading to better diagnostics and treatments for various health conditions.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using nanopore technology for DNA sequencing, suggesting that similar approaches for protein sequencing could also be successful.
Where this research is happening
-
Northeastern University
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wanunu, Meni — Northeastern University
- Study coordinator: Wanunu, Meni
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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.