Strengthening important protein-to-protein connections inside cells
Systematic stabilization of specific protein-protein interactions
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO · NIH-11181012
This project aims to find small molecules that keep key proteins working together in human cells to help conditions such as cancer and neurodegeneration.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (SAN FRANCISCO, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11181012 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Proteins in our cells work by binding to each other, and when those connections fail it can cause disease. The team will focus on a common hub protein called 14-3-3 and use it to discover small molecules that selectively stabilize its interactions with partner proteins. They will combine structural studies, biochemical screening, and cell-based tests to build a toolkit of cell-active stabilizers. The goal is to create selective probes that help scientists understand disease processes and that could eventually lead to new drug candidates.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with conditions linked to dysfunctional protein interactions — for example some cancers, neurodegenerative diseases, or rare genetic disorders — could be future candidates for therapies derived from this work.
Not a fit: Patients should not expect direct or immediate benefit because this is early-stage laboratory research rather than a clinical treatment trial.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could produce new kinds of therapies that restore normal protein interactions and treat diseases caused by their breakdown.
How similar studies have performed: Stabilizing protein-protein interactions is a relatively new drug approach with a few early successes, but systematic discovery of selective stabilizers remains largely novel.
Where this research is happening
SAN FRANCISCO, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO — SAN FRANCISCO, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: ARKIN, MICHELLE — UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO
- Study coordinator: ARKIN, MICHELLE
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.