RESEARCH: CANCER
FOLDING PROJECT #16932 PROFILE

This project relates to using computer simulations to understand how tiny proteins called alpha-helical hairpins fold. By changing the protein's structure, researchers hope to create better 'affibody' cancer treatments that can bind to and destroy tumor 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 hairpins

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

Alpha-helical hairpins are small, folded segments of proteins that form a helix shape. They are important for the function and stability of many proteins. Researchers study alpha-helical hairpins to understand how proteins fold and how they can be designed to have specific functions.

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Disulfide cross-linkers

Covalent bonds between cysteine amino acids in proteins.

Disulfide cross-linkers are strong chemical bonds that can form between two sulfur atoms within cysteine amino acids. These bonds play a crucial role in stabilizing the three-dimensional structure of some proteins. Researchers study disulfide cross-linkers to understand how they influence protein folding and stability.

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Sequence variants

Variations in the DNA sequence that code for proteins.

Sequence variants are changes in the genetic code that can result in different versions of a protein. These variations can affect protein structure and function. Researchers study sequence variants to understand how they contribute to disease and to develop new therapies.

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Protein binder scaffolds

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

Protein binder scaffolds are three-dimensional structures that serve as templates for designing proteins with the ability to bind to specific molecules. These scaffolds are essential tools in drug discovery, allowing researchers to create targeted therapies that interact with disease-related proteins.

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Affibody

A genetically engineered protein that binds to a specific target.

Affibody is a type of small protein designed to bind tightly to specific targets, such as tumor cells or viruses. These proteins are used in various applications, including drug delivery and diagnostic imaging.

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Cancer therapeutics

Medications used to treat cancer.

Cancer therapeutics are a broad category of medications aimed at treating various types of cancer. These therapies can include chemotherapy drugs, targeted therapies, immunotherapy agents, and hormone therapy.