Understanding how helical bundle proteins work
Deciphering the relationship between structure, dynamics and function in helical bundle proteins
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO · NIH-11166384
This project looks at how spiral membrane proteins—like the influenza M2 channel and coronavirus E proteins—move protons and bind drugs to help guide development of better antivirals for people with flu or coronavirus infections.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (SAN FRANCISCO, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11166384 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
From a patient's perspective, researchers are studying tiny channel proteins that sit in virus membranes and help the virus survive. They use lab crystallography, advanced spectroscopy (2DIR), and computer design to see how these channels conduct protons and how drugs like amantadine block them. The team is also designing new membrane proteins to test ideas about how water molecules and protein shape allow selective proton flow. All this is aimed at informing drug designs that could work against drug-resistant influenza strains and similar coronavirus channels.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: There is no patient enrollment for this lab-focused work, but the eventual beneficiaries would be people with influenza A (including drug-resistant strains) or coronavirus infections.
Not a fit: People needing immediate clinical treatment, those without viral respiratory infections, or those expecting direct enrollment in a clinical trial will not receive direct benefit from this basic science project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could enable new drugs that block viral ion channels, including amantadine-resistant influenza and some coronavirus proteins.
How similar studies have performed: Structural biology and computational design have previously guided antiviral development, but targeting drug-resistant M2 channels and coronavirus E proteins remains challenging and partly novel.
Where this research is happening
SAN FRANCISCO, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO — SAN FRANCISCO, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: DEGRADO, WILLIAM — UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO
- Study coordinator: DEGRADO, WILLIAM
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.