RESEARCH: CANCER
FOLDING PROJECT #16943 PROFILE

This project relates to understanding how tiny proteins called hairpins fold and how changes in their structure affect how they work. The goal is to use computer simulations to design better protein 'binders' that could be used as cancer treatments.

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.

alpha-helical hairpins

Secondary structure element in proteins consisting of a helical region.

Alpha-helical hairpins are short segments of protein that form a helix shape. They are important for the overall structure and function of proteins. In this context, they are being studied to understand how they fold and how changes in their structure affect their properties.

disulfide cross-linkers

Covalent bonds between cysteine amino acids in proteins.

Disulfide cross-linkers are chemical bonds that connect two sulfur atoms within a protein. These bonds help to stabilize the protein's structure and can influence its folding and function. Researchers are studying how these cross-linkers affect the stability and behavior of alpha-helical hairpins.

sequence variants

Differences in the DNA sequence of a gene.

Sequence variants are changes in the order of DNA letters within a gene. These variations can lead to differences in protein structure and function. In this research, they are investigating how different sequence variants affect the folding and properties of alpha-helical hairpins.

protein binder scaffolds

Structural framework for binding to target proteins.

Protein binder scaffolds are designed to specifically bind to other proteins. Researchers are using them to create therapeutic molecules that can target and inhibit specific proteins involved in diseases like cancer.

affibody

Affibody Therapeutics Inc. (ATI) developed a unique type of antibody fragment.

An affibody is a small protein that can bind specifically to other proteins. They are used in research and medicine as diagnostic tools and for drug delivery.

cancer therapeutics

Treatments designed to kill or inhibit the growth of cancer cells.

Cancer therapeutics are medications and therapies used to treat cancer. They can work by directly killing cancer cells, slowing their growth, or preventing them from spreading.