Understanding how membrane proteins fold
Official title: Forces Driving Membrane Protein Folds
Funded at Johns Hopkins University · NIH-11005041 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain proteins, which are important for our body's functions and sit in cell membranes, fold into their proper shapes, and it's designed for anyone interested in understanding how these proteins work better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2023 |
| Project end | December 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $352,415 |
| NIH project number | 5R35GM148199-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11005041 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research include individuals with diseases linked to membrane protein dysfunction.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to membrane proteins or those not involving protein folding mechanisms may not receive benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the complex process of how membrane proteins fold, which is crucial for their function in biological systems. Unlike soluble proteins, membrane proteins are embedded in lipid bilayers, and this study aims to uncover the unique forces that stabilize their structure. The researchers will use experimental methods to measure the energetic forces involved and will also employ molecular simulations to enhance their understanding. The findings will contribute to databases that support the development of computational models for protein folding.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding of membrane protein-related diseases and enhance drug development targeting these proteins.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in understanding soluble protein folding, but studies specifically targeting membrane proteins are less common and represent a novel area of investigation.
Where this research is happening
-
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fleming, Karen G. — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Fleming, Karen G.
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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.