RESEARCH: CANCER
FOLDING PROJECT #16968 PROFILE

This project relates to studying how tiny proteins called hairpins fold into shapes. They're looking at how changes in the protein's building blocks and chemical links affect how it folds. The goal is to learn how to design these proteins to bind to cancer cells, potentially leading to new 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

A type of protein secondary structure with an alpha helix shape.

Alpha-helical hairpins are small protein segments that form a coiled, rod-like shape known as an alpha helix. They play important roles in stabilizing protein structures and facilitating interactions between proteins.

disulfide cross-linkers

Covalent bonds between cysteine amino acids in proteins that stabilize their structure.

Disulfide cross-linkers are strong chemical bonds formed between sulfur atoms within two cysteine amino acids. These bonds help to hold protein structures together and can influence a protein's shape and function.

sequence variants

Alterations in the DNA sequence that can lead to changes in protein structure and function.

Sequence variants are modifications in a gene's DNA code. These changes can result in different versions of a protein being produced, which may have altered properties or functions compared to the original protein.

folding thermodynamics

The study of energy changes associated with protein folding.

Folding thermodynamics investigates the energy factors that drive the process of proteins folding into their specific three-dimensional shapes. Understanding these energy changes is crucial for comprehending how proteins achieve their functional forms.

molecular simulation methods

Computer programs used to model and simulate molecular interactions.

Molecular simulation methods use computer algorithms to recreate the behavior of molecules. These simulations can help researchers study complex biological processes such as protein folding, drug binding, and cellular interactions.

protein binder scaffolds

Structural frameworks that can be designed to bind specific target proteins.

Protein binder scaffolds are engineered structures that can selectively attach to and interact with target proteins. They serve as the foundation for designing therapeutic agents, such as antibodies or small molecule inhibitors.

affibody

Affibody Therapeutics Ltd.

Affibody is a type of protein-based therapeutic that consists of small, engineered proteins known as affibodies. These affibodies are designed to bind with high specificity to target molecules, such as receptors or enzymes.

cancer therapeutics

Medicinal treatments aimed at combating cancer.

Cancer therapeutics are medical interventions used to treat cancer. These therapies can include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapies, each with specific mechanisms of action.