New ways to block harmful protein interactions using tiny DNA structures
Multivalent protein-DNA nanostructures as synthetic blocking antibodies
['FUNDING_R01'] · ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY-TEMPE CAMPUS · NIH-11137834
This project aims to create tiny, custom-built DNA structures that can act like powerful antibodies to stop unwanted interactions between proteins in the body.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY-TEMPE CAMPUS (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (SCOTTSDALE, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11137834 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Our bodies rely on proteins interacting with each other, but sometimes these interactions can cause problems, like in infections or diseases. Traditional medicines, like small molecules or antibodies, try to block these interactions, but they can be hard to design perfectly. This project is developing a new kind of 'synthetic antibody' made from DNA, which can be precisely shaped to block specific protein interactions. We will use computer simulations to design these tiny structures and then test them in the lab, creating a feedback loop to improve their effectiveness. The goal is to create a versatile tool that can be tuned to block various disease-causing protein interactions.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research does not directly involve patients, but future applications could benefit individuals with diseases caused by specific protein interactions, such as viral infections like COVID-19.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate treatment or direct clinical intervention would not benefit from this early-stage, basic science research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to new ways to develop highly specific treatments or imaging agents for diseases by effectively blocking harmful protein interactions.
How similar studies have performed: While the concept of blocking protein interactions is well-established, this specific method of using tunable protein-DNA nanostructures as 'synthetic antibodies' is a novel and largely untested approach.
Where this research is happening
SCOTTSDALE, UNITED STATES
- ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY-TEMPE CAMPUS — SCOTTSDALE, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: STEPHANOPOULOS, NICHOLAS — ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY-TEMPE CAMPUS
- Study coordinator: STEPHANOPOULOS, NICHOLAS
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.