Watching enzymes work at the atomic level
Robust atomic-level enzymatic activity study by time-resolved crystallography and computational enzymology
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · ICAHN SCHOOL OF MEDICINE AT MOUNT SINAI · NIH-11462879
This project makes detailed atomic “movies” of key human enzymes like Hsp70 and actin so researchers can better design treatments for diseases linked to enzyme problems.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | ICAHN SCHOOL OF MEDICINE AT MOUNT SINAI (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (NEW YORK, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11462879 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
The team will combine time-resolved X-ray crystallography with quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics (QM/MM) simulations to capture short-lived states of enzymes during ATP use. They will create atomic-resolution sequences of Hsp70 chaperone catalysis and probe actin's ATPase mechanism to see how these proteins move and transfer energy. The work uses purified proteins and computer modeling in the lab rather than enrolling patients. The investigators plan to package and share the multi-scale methods so other labs can apply them to medically relevant enzymes.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This project does not enroll patients; it focuses on laboratory and computational work with proteins at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate clinical treatments are unlikely to benefit directly because this is foundational laboratory research rather than a therapeutic trial.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could enable more precise drug designs that target the exact steps enzymes use in diseases such as neurodegeneration, cancer, and muscle disorders.
How similar studies have performed: Related time-resolved crystallography plus QM/MM work produced a major discovery about Hsp70 ATP hydrolysis, indicating the approach can succeed, though broad generalization is still novel.
Where this research is happening
NEW YORK, UNITED STATES
- ICAHN SCHOOL OF MEDICINE AT MOUNT SINAI — NEW YORK, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: WANG, WEI — ICAHN SCHOOL OF MEDICINE AT MOUNT SINAI
- Study coordinator: WANG, WEI
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.