Targeting and degrading hard-to-treat proteins using DNA technology
Official title: Programmable and Conditional Proteolysis Targeting Chimeras Enabled by DNA Nanotechnology
Funded at Arizona State University-Tempe Campus · NIH-11134634 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring new ways to create treatments that can target and break down tough proteins that regular medications can't handle, which could lead to better therapies for conditions like cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Arizona State University-Tempe Campus NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tempe, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $312,584 |
| NIH project number | 5R01GM155563-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11134634 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research would include patients with cancers characterized by undruggable protein targets, such as certain breast cancer types.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions that do not involve the targeted protein degradation or those who are not responsive to proteolysis-targeting therapies may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing innovative strategies to target and degrade proteins that are difficult to treat with traditional medications. By utilizing proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) and DNA nanotechnology, the project aims to create a more effective drug delivery system that can selectively activate the degradation of specific proteins. This approach could potentially overcome current limitations in drug permeability and selectivity, making it easier to treat conditions like cancer. Patients may benefit from new therapies that can effectively target previously 'undruggable' proteins.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for patients with cancers and other diseases that involve hard-to-target proteins.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using PROTACs and nucleic acid-based therapies, indicating that this approach could lead to significant advancements in treatment.
Where this research is happening
-
Arizona State University-Tempe Campus
Tempe, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yan, Hao — Arizona State University-Tempe Campus
- Study coordinator: Yan, Hao
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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.