# Seeking the Biophysical Principles that Govern RTK Activation

> **NIH NIH R01** · JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY · 2022 · $308,728

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY
Receptor Tyrosine Kinases (RTKs) are single-pass transmembrane proteins that control cell growth,
differentiation, motility, and metabolism. They are very promising drug targets, but the incomplete understanding
of the activation mechanism of the RTKs in the membrane hinders the development of effective and safe therapies.
This proposal is dedicated to the development of new methodologies that can quantify molecular interactions and
can move the field forward. In Aim 1, we will develop a combined Number and Brightness (N&B) and Förster
Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET) methodology that yields both the oligomer size and the dissociation constants
for full length RTKs in live cells. In Aim 2, we will develop a fluorescence-based methodology that yields
molecular ligand binding constants for full-length RTKs in live cells. Along with enabling the acquisition of new
knowledge by the broad scientific community, the work in the aims will yield new insights into critical aspects
of the signaling by the RTKs used in method development.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10473662
- **Project number:** 5R01GM068619-17
- **Recipient organization:** JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** Kalina Hristova
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $308,728
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2004-05-01 → 2024-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10473662

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10473662, Seeking the Biophysical Principles that Govern RTK Activation (5R01GM068619-17). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-25 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10473662. Licensed CC0.

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