Understanding how heparan sulfate interacts with proteins
Identifying Key Structural Interactions in Heparan Sulfate-Protein Complexes
This study is looking at how a special sugar in our cells interacts with proteins, especially one related to HIV, to better understand how these interactions affect things like how cells stick together and how our immune system works, which could help in creating new treatments for related diseases.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | California State Univ-Dominguez Hills NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Carson, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10896219 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the interactions between heparan sulfate, a type of carbohydrate found in the extracellular matrix of cells, and various proteins. By utilizing synthetic libraries of heparan sulfate and advanced NMR techniques, the project aims to identify key structural interactions that influence biological processes such as cell adhesion and immune response. The initial focus will be on the HIV-1 p17 protein, which plays a crucial role in the virus's life cycle. This work could lead to new insights that may inform drug development for diseases linked to these interactions.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with autoimmune diseases or those affected by viral infections like HIV.
Not a fit: Patients with conditions unrelated to heparan sulfate interactions or those not affected by autoimmune diseases or viral infections may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for autoimmune diseases and viral infections.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in understanding glycosaminoglycan interactions, but this specific approach using synthetic libraries and NMR is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
Carson, United States
- California State Univ-Dominguez Hills — Carson, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pederson, Kari Joanne — California State Univ-Dominguez Hills
- Study coordinator: Pederson, Kari Joanne
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.