RESEARCH: CANCER
FOLDING PROJECT #17748 PROFILE

This project studies how proteins use ion gradients to move molecules across cell membranes. These proteins are found everywhere and help transport things like medicine! By studying them, we can learn how they work in different types of cells and find new ways to treat diseases.

Projects 17745-17750 Molecular basis of secondary active transporters. Secondary active membrane transporters are proteins that utilize ions to transport an assortment of molecules across cell membranes.

These proteins are found in all domains in life and surprisingly, despite vastly different structures, operate under the same mechanism by using an ion gradient to assist in small molecule transport.

Furthermore, many of these secondary active transporters are drug targets to treat diseases like cancer, diabetes, and neurological disorders.

The simulations in this project will allow us to understand a universal role of ion-coupling across different families of proteins.

Secondary active transporters

Proteins that use ions to move molecules across cell membranes.

Secondary active transporters are essential proteins found in all living organisms. They utilize the energy from an ion gradient to transport various molecules across cell membranes. This process is crucial for many cellular functions, including nutrient uptake, waste removal, and signaling. These transporters are often targeted by drugs to treat diseases like cancer, diabetes, and neurological disorders.

Ion

An atom or molecule with an electrical charge.

Ions are atoms or molecules that have gained or lost electrons, giving them a net electrical charge. Positively charged ions are called cations, while negatively charged ions are called anions. Ions play crucial roles in various biological processes, including nerve impulse transmission, muscle contraction, and maintaining fluid balance.

Membrane Transport

The movement of substances across cell membranes.

Membrane transport is the process by which molecules and ions move across cell membranes. This can occur passively through diffusion or facilitated transport, or actively using energy to move substances against their concentration gradient. Membrane transport is essential for maintaining cellular homeostasis, nutrient uptake, waste removal, and communication.

Simulations

Computer models that mimic real-world processes.

Simulations are computer programs that recreate complex systems and processes. In computational biology, simulations are used to study biological phenomena, such as protein folding, drug interactions, and disease progression. By running simulations, researchers can gain insights into how biological systems work and test hypotheses without performing experiments.

Protein

Large complex molecules essential for many biological functions.

Proteins are the workhorses of cells, carrying out a vast array of functions. They are composed of chains of amino acids folded into specific 3D structures. Proteins play roles in catalysis, transport, signaling, structural support, and defense.