Understanding how certain proteins and DNA link together without enzymes
Official title: Elucidating the dynamical and structural molecular factors at the origin of non-enzymatic protein-protein and protein-DNA cross-links
Funded at Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ · NIH-10894062 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking into how certain proteins can mistakenly stick to DNA without help from enzymes, which could lead to serious health problems like Alzheimer's, cancer, and kidney issues, and it aims to find out how sugars might cause these sticky connections so we can develop better treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Blacksburg, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $381,278 |
| NIH project number | 5R35GM150409-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10894062 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from Alzheimer's disease, chronic kidney failure, or other conditions associated with non-enzymatic protein-DNA cross-links.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to protein-DNA interactions or those who do not have any of the targeted diseases may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the harmful connections that can form between proteins and DNA without the help of enzymes, which are linked to serious health issues like Alzheimer's disease, cancer, and chronic kidney failure. By using advanced computational methods, the team aims to uncover the molecular factors that lead to these connections, particularly focusing on how sugars can trigger these reactions. The goal is to better understand these processes to pave the way for new therapeutic strategies that could prevent or treat these conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that prevent harmful protein and DNA cross-links, potentially improving outcomes for patients with Alzheimer's and other serious diseases.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of this research is novel, there have been successful studies exploring the implications of protein modifications in various diseases.
Where this research is happening
-
Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ
Blacksburg, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Vaissier Welborn, Valerie — Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ
- Study coordinator: Vaissier Welborn, Valerie
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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.