Understanding how water affects protein interactions

Exploiting Water Network Perturbations in Protein Binding Sites

NIH-funded research St. Jude Children's Research Hospital · NIH-11085284

This study is looking at how water molecules help drugs connect to proteins in our bodies, which is important for creating better medications, and it's designed for anyone interested in how new drugs are developed.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Memphis, United States)
Project IDNIH-11085284 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the role of water molecules in the binding of drugs to proteins, which is crucial for drug discovery. By examining how water networks change in response to proteins and ligands, the study aims to improve our understanding of protein flexibility and hydration. The researchers will develop a framework to analyze these water dynamics, which could lead to better drug design and efficacy. This approach seeks to move beyond traditional static models of proteins to a more dynamic understanding of their functions.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with conditions that could benefit from improved drug therapies targeting protein interactions.

Not a fit: Patients with conditions unrelated to protein-ligand interactions or those not requiring new drug therapies may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective drug designs that take into account the dynamic role of water in protein interactions.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in understanding the role of water in biomolecular interactions, suggesting that this approach could yield significant advancements.

Where this research is happening

Memphis, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.