RESEARCH: CANCER
FOLDING PROJECT #16994 PROFILE

This project relates to understanding how proteins fold into specific shapes. Researchers are using computer simulations to study how small changes in protein structure affect their ability to bind to targets, like cancer cells. This knowledge could help design new medicines that target specific diseases more effectively.

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 consisting of a helical region.

Alpha-helical hairpins are short, stable segments of proteins that form a spiral shape. They are important for many biological processes and can be used in drug design.

disulfide cross-linkers

Covalent bonds formed between sulfur atoms in cysteine amino acids.

Disulfide cross-linkers are strong chemical bonds that can stabilize proteins by linking together different parts of the molecule. They play a role in protein folding and function.

sequence variants

Variations in the DNA sequence of a gene.

Sequence variants are differences in the order of nucleotides (DNA building blocks) within a gene. These variations can lead to changes in protein structure and function.

protein binder scaffolds

Structural frameworks designed to bind specific proteins.

Protein binder scaffolds are engineered molecules that can specifically recognize and bind to target proteins. They are used in drug development to block protein interactions or deliver therapeutic payloads.

affibody

Affibody Therapeutics

Affibody is a type of engineered protein that binds to specific targets with high affinity. They are used as diagnostic and therapeutic agents.

cancer therapeutics

Drugs used to treat cancer.

Cancer therapeutics are medications designed to kill or slow the growth of cancerous cells. They can work in various ways, such as targeting specific proteins or pathways involved in cancer development.