Peptides and small molecules to modulate signaling proteins and interfaces
Official title: Peptides and small-molecules targeting signaling proteins and protein-protein interfaces
Funded at University of New Hampshire · NIH-11411215 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A long-term NIH grant explores new ways to influence key signaling proteins involved in cancers and viral infections using peptides, small molecules, and novel nanobodies that target allosteric sites.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of New Hampshire NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2020 |
| Project end | June 30, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $412,838 |
| NIH project number | 5R35GM138217-07 |
| Project ID | NIH-11411215 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with cancers or conditions related to dysregulated signaling pathways who could benefit from targeted modulatory therapies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with cancers or viral infections that do not respond to allosteric modulators or have contraindications to peptide or small-molecule therapies may see limited benefit.
What this research studies
This project focuses on identifying and using allosteric sites on important signaling proteins to achieve more selective and targeted effects in cancer and viral diseases. Researchers will use a combination of peptides, non-covalent and covalent small molecules, and nanobodies to modulate these proteins’ activity, aiming to overcome challenges of targeting traditional active sites. The work involves computational studies and experimental validation to discover allosteric modulators that can precisely alter signaling pathways. The ultimate goal is to develop new therapeutic agents with better specificity and fewer off-target effects for cancer and SARS-CoV-2 related conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could benefit from more selective therapies with potentially fewer side effects and new options for cancers and viral infections.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work on allosteric modulation has shown promise in increasing selectivity, though this approach remains an emerging area in these targets.
Where this research is happening
-
University of New Hampshire
Durham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Vashisth, Harish — University of New Hampshire
- Study coordinator: Vashisth, Harish
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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.