Research Projects

The researchers are developing an integrated approach to design dendrimers that can bind to aggregation-prone partially folding intermediates (PFIs) with high specificity and inhibit early protein aggregation stages. The approach will incorporate inputs from structural bioinformatics, organic chemistry, biophysical, and biological characterization. The dendrimers will inhibit cytotoxic oligomers and complement existing excipients, which modulate fibril growth. Insulin will be chosen as a model protein due to its high therapeutic relevance and available experimental data. The design will use hotspot residues at the binding interface as templates, complementing protein interaction hotspots. The dendrimers will be synthesized, characterized, and tested in animal models to establish their safety and efficacy.