Using light to modify proteins for better drug development
Official title: Photocatalytic Generation of Reactive Probes for Bioconjugation and Proximity Labeling
Funded at Columbia Univ New York Morningside · NIH-11014961 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring a new way to change proteins using light, which could help scientists better understand how proteins work and create more effective treatments for diseases.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Columbia Univ New York Morningside NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | January 10, 2024 |
| Project end | January 9, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $74,284 |
| NIH project number | 5F32GM153032-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11014961 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research would be individuals with conditions that could benefit from advanced therapeutic strategies, particularly those involving protein modifications.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have conditions related to protein function or modification may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing new methods to chemically modify proteins, which is crucial for understanding their functions and creating targeted therapies. By utilizing visible light to activate chemical reactions, the study aims to selectively modify amino acids in proteins, allowing for more precise bioconjugation techniques. This approach not only enhances the ability to tag proteins for studying their interactions in cells but also aims to improve the design of new pharmaceuticals. The methodology involves using photoredox catalysis, which is a technique that uses light to drive chemical reactions in a controlled manner.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective and targeted treatments for various diseases, including cancer.
How similar studies have gone: While the use of photoredox catalysis in biological applications is relatively novel, similar approaches in chemical modification have shown promise in other research contexts.
Where this research is happening
-
Columbia Univ New York Morningside
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kariofillis, Stavros Konstantinos — Columbia Univ New York Morningside
- Study coordinator: Kariofillis, Stavros Konstantinos
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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.