Understanding how proteins transfer protons and change structure
Official title: Advanced Infrared Biology of Protein Structure & Dynamics
Funded at Oklahoma State University Stillwater · NIH-11037397 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how proteins change when they work, focusing on a special part called histidine, to help us understand how proteins help our bodies signal, produce energy, and carry out important tasks.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R15 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Oklahoma State University Stillwater NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stillwater, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2022 |
| Project end | February 28, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $100,000 |
| NIH project number | 3R15GM144898-01S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11037397 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with conditions related to protein dysfunction, such as certain cancers or metabolic disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to protein function or those not affected by protein dynamics may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the fundamental process of proton-transfer in proteins, which is crucial for their function in signaling, bioenergetics, and catalysis. By developing a time-resolved infrared vibrational spectroscopy technique, the project aims to capture dynamic changes in protein structures during function. The focus is on identifying how specific amino acids, particularly histidine, contribute to these changes, using a bacterial blue-light photoreceptor as a model. This innovative approach seeks to provide insights into the structure-function relationships of proteins that are essential for various biological processes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a better understanding of protein functions, potentially informing new treatments for diseases like cancer.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of using time-resolved infrared spectroscopy is innovative, similar techniques have shown promise in other areas of protein research, suggesting potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Oklahoma State University Stillwater
Stillwater, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Xie, Aihua — Oklahoma State University Stillwater
- Study coordinator: Xie, Aihua
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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.