# Drug Discovery Structural Biology

> **NIH NIH P30** · BECKMAN RESEARCH INSTITUTE/CITY OF HOPE · 2024 · $182,188

## Abstract

Abstract Shared Resource 04: Drug Discovery & Structural Biology (DDSB-SR)
The Drug Discovery and Structural Biology Shared Resource (DDSB-SR) collaborates with COHCCC Members
to validate, develop, optimize, and translate novel therapeutics. To accomplish this, the DDSB-SR provides a
comprehensive range of drug discovery services spanning computational modeling; high throughput screening
(HTS); synthetic organic chemistry/medicinal chemistry, peptide synthesis, modified DNA/RNA oligonucleotide
synthesis, and expertise in protein structure and biophysical methods. These highly specialized services provide
COHCCC Members with a cohesive and comprehensive platform to rapidly and successfully translate their
scientific discoveries to meaningful clinical outcomes.
Specific Aims of the DDSB-SR:
Aim 1. High throughput small molecule screening and fragment-based screening.
Aim 2. Medicinal chemistry and solid phase synthesis of custom peptides & oligonucleotides of high
 structural complexity.
Aim 3. Protein production and purification, molecular interaction analysis, and diffraction studies.
Aim 4. Cutting-edge computational methods to support the design new therapeutic agents.
Equipment includes liquid handling robots; peptide and oligonucleotide synthesizers; multiple incubators and fast
protein liquid chromatography systems; analytical instrumentation to characterize molecular interactions (surface
plasmon resonance [SPR], isothermal titration calorimetry, analytical ultracentrifugation, circular dichroism with
thermal control, etc.); NMR and mass spectrometers for small molecules; and equipment for macromolecular
determinations (crystallization and visualization robots and a diffractometer). The DDSB-SR is co-directed by
Drs. David Horne and John Williams, Professors in the Department of Molecular Medicine who are supported by
a highly qualified staff. Since 2017, the DDSB-SR has synthesized more than 300 small molecules, 500 peptides,
and 950 oligonucleotides (aptamers, GpC-conjugates, etc.). During that same period, >5000 crystallization and
optimization trials were conducted, 1000s or crystals were screened for diffraction, >750 crystal
structures/complexes were determined, and >600 SPR experiments, 35 in silico screening/molecular dynamics
projects, and 23 HTS projects were conducted. DDSB-SR work has led to a significant technology portfolio
involving 50 patents, 51 pending applications, and four exclusive licenses, as well as substantial sponsored
research agreements (one valued at $876K) and royalty payments ($>1M).
Members Utilization by %Revenue 2017–21: 99.5 Total (33 MCBC, 17.1 DCT, 23.2 CI, 25.8 HM, 0.3 CCPS)
Publications by Members: 99, 36 with Impact Factor >10
Grants Supported: 46Total (1 ACS, 2 CIRM, 2 DoD, 1 LLS, 25 NCI of 36 NIH (28R01))

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10843148
- **Project number:** 5P30CA033572-41
- **Recipient organization:** BECKMAN RESEARCH INSTITUTE/CITY OF HOPE
- **Principal Investigator:** John Charles Williams
- **Activity code:** P30 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $182,188
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 1997-08-01 → 2027-11-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10843148

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10843148, Drug Discovery Structural Biology (5P30CA033572-41). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-25 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10843148. Licensed CC0.

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