Condensate-Based High-Sensitivity Cell-Free Screening Assays for the modulation of PPIs
Forecasted
Condensate-Based High-Sensitivity Cell-Free Screening Assays for the modulation of PPIs supports researchers developing cell-free assays to detect weak protein interactions and aid drug discovery.
Funder: Merck KGaA (EMD Group)
Due Dates (Anticipated): August 2027 (Application deadline)
Funding Amounts: Up to one grant of €100,000 per year for up to three years
Summary: Supports condensate-inspired, cell-free assays that detect weak protein–protein interactions more sensitively for drug discovery.
Key Information: Initial applications must use non-confidential information only.
Description
Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, offers this grant through its Research Grants program to support innovative in-vitro screening assays for weak protein–protein interactions (PPIs). The call focuses on cell-free approaches inspired by cellular condensates, which concentrate proteins alongside nucleic acids and other macromolecules. Recreating that crowded environment could improve sensitivity and better mimic cellular conditions than conventional screens.
The work is relevant to finding small molecules that enhance or disrupt PPIs, including molecular glue degraders and disruptors of functional complexes. Proposals should identify the types of PPIs addressed, explain the anticipated sensitivity improvement, and describe any other advantages over traditional cell-free assays. The grant offers the possibility of further collaboration with Merck scientists.
