RESEARCH: CANCER
FOLDING PROJECT #16983 PROFILE

This project relates to understanding how tiny protein building blocks fold into shapes. By changing the connections and ingredients in these blocks, scientists can study how they affect folding. The goal is to learn how to design better protein-based drugs that can target cancer cells.

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.

simulations

Computer-generated models of biological processes.

Simulations are powerful tools used in biotechnology to study how molecules interact and behave. They allow researchers to test hypotheses and design new molecules without conducting expensive and time-consuming experiments.

alpha-helical hairpins

A type of protein structure characterized by a helical shape with hairpin bends.

Alpha-helical hairpins are common structural motifs in proteins. They consist of alpha-helix segments connected by sharp turns, forming a hairpin-like shape. These structures play important roles in protein function and interactions.

disulfide cross-linkers

Covalent bonds between cysteine amino acids in proteins.

Disulfide cross-linkers are strong covalent bonds that can form between two sulfur atoms within cysteine amino acids in proteins. These bonds contribute to protein stability and shape.

sequence variants

Variations in the DNA sequence of a gene.

Sequence variants are changes in the order of nucleotides within a gene. These variations can alter protein function and contribute to disease or drug response.

folding thermodynamics

The study of energy changes during protein folding.

Folding thermodynamics examines the energy relationships involved in the process of a protein adopting its three-dimensional structure. Understanding these thermodynamics is crucial for predicting and controlling protein folding.

kinetics

The study of the rates of chemical reactions.

Kinetics explores how fast biochemical reactions occur. In the context of protein folding, kinetics investigates the time required for a protein to fold into its correct shape.

protein binder scaffolds

Framework structures for binding to target molecules.

Protein binder scaffolds are designed to bind specifically to target molecules. These scaffolds can be used as the basis for developing new drugs or therapies.

affibody

A type of engineered protein binder.

Affibody is a trademark for a class of small, engineered proteins that bind to specific targets with high affinity. They are used in various applications, including diagnostics and therapeutics.

cancer therapeutics

Treatments for cancer.

Cancer therapeutics encompass a wide range of treatments aimed at preventing, controlling, or curing cancer. These include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and immunotherapy.