RESEARCH: CANCER
FOLDING PROJECT #16929 PROFILE

This project relates to using computer simulations to understand how small proteins fold. By studying the effects of chemical bonds and slight changes in their code, researchers hope to design better protein 'sticky hands' that can target and fight cancer cells.

Note: This TLDR is a simplication and may not be 100% accurate.

These simulations are designed to test our understanding the folding mechanism of alpha-helical hairpins.

We are trying to study how disulfide cross-linkers and sequence variants affect the folding thermodynamics and kinetics of these proteins, to learn how we might better use molecular simulation methods to design effective protein binder scaffolds, for use as "affibody" cancer therapeutics, for example.

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alpha-helical

A type of protein secondary structure characterized by a helix shape.

Alpha-helices are common structural motifs in proteins. They form when a polypeptide chain coils into a spiral shape, stabilized by hydrogen bonds between amino acids. Alpha-helices are important for protein function and stability.

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disulfide cross-linkers

Covalent bonds formed between two cysteine amino acids in a protein.

Disulfide cross-linkers are covalent bonds that form between two sulfur atoms in cysteine amino acids within a protein. These bonds help stabilize protein structure and can influence protein folding and function.

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sequence variants

Changes in the amino acid sequence of a protein.

Sequence variants are alterations in the order of amino acids within a protein. These changes can be caused by mutations or deliberate modifications and can affect protein structure, function, and interactions.

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folding thermodynamics

The study of the energy changes associated with protein folding.

Folding thermodynamics investigates the energy requirements and factors influencing how proteins fold into their specific three-dimensional shapes. This field helps understand the stability and function of proteins.

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kinetics

The study of the rates and mechanisms of chemical reactions.

Kinetics examines how fast chemical reactions occur and the steps involved in their progression. In the context of proteins, it explores the rate of folding and unfolding processes.

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protein binder scaffolds

Structural frameworks used to design proteins that bind to specific targets.

Protein binder scaffolds are structural templates used to engineer proteins that specifically bind to target molecules. These scaffolds can be adapted to create a variety of binding proteins with diverse applications in medicine and research.

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affibody

An engineered protein scaffold that binds to specific targets.

Affibody is a type of engineered protein based on the Z domain of Staphylococcus aureus Protein A. It's a small binding protein with high affinity and specificity for its target molecules. Affibody proteins are used in various applications, including diagnostics and cancer therapeutics.

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cancer therapeutics

Drugs used to treat cancer.

Cancer therapeutics are medications designed to prevent, inhibit, or destroy the growth of cancerous cells. They can target different aspects of cancer development and progression.