Protein Folding
in real time
Protein Folding Cluster 2026 is a Swedish Research Council–funded excellence initiative that focuses on quantitative methods to measure and predict protein folding and misfolding at single-molecule resolution. By combining cutting-edge biophysical technologies, real-time imaging, molecular simulations, and AI, we aim to reveal the dynamic rules of folding inside living cells — and translate this knowledge into new strategies to predict, prevent, and treat protein-misfolding diseases.
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Why This Matters
Protein misfolding underlies neurodegeneration, cancer, and genetic disorders, together affecting millions worldwide. Yet we still lack quantitative tools to detect when folding pathways begin to fail inside living cells. Understanding structural failure at its origin is essential for prevention.
AI can predict final structures, but not the dynamic pathways that lead to them. Folding is a non-linear, force-driven process shaped by molecular interactions and cellular conditions. Capturing these dynamics in real time is a central scientific challenge.
Sweden hosts world-leading expertise in force spectroscopy, advanced imaging, molecular simulations, and AI. By coordinating these capabilities, we can build the first integrated platform to measure, model, and predict protein folding with single-molecule resolution.
Protein misfolding does not begin with diagnosis — it begins with subtle dynamical changes at the molecular level. By linking single-molecule measurements and simulations to proteomic networks and patient-derived data, we aim to ultimately identify early disease signatures of structural failure.
Latest News
Protein Folding Beyond Structure Prediction The Misfolding Frontier
Upcoming bioRxiv preprint authored by the Protein Folding and Misfolding at Single-Molecule Resolution Cluster of Excellence (VR), outlining a new framework for studying protein folding as a dynamic, real-time process beyond static structure prediction.
Technological Excellence Requires Human and Social Context The Role of Humanities
Upcoming bioRxiv preprint authored by the Protein Folding and Misfolding at Single-Molecule Resolution Cluster of Excellence (VR), examining how humanities and social sciences strengthen research excellence in groundbreaking technologies.
AI and Simulation Protein Folding and Misfolding at Single-Molecule Resolution
Artificial intelligence and simulations can unveil protein folding and misfolding dynamics. Machine learning, generative models, and multiscale simulations can be integrated with experimental single-molecule data to move beyond static structures toward predictive, dynamic models.
Humanities and Social Sciences in Research Excellence for Groundbreaking Technologies
Humanities and social sciences (HSS) can be meaningfully integrated into national research excellence clusters focused on groundbreaking technologies.
Methods and Translation Protein Folding and Misfolding at Single-Molecule Resolution
Two-day workshop brings together leading researchers in biophysics, molecular biology, imaging, simulations, and clinical research to explore protein folding and misfolding as dynamic processes.
Swedish Research Council
Cluster Funding for 2026
The Vetenskapsrådet funds Excellence Initiative support, enabling the formation of excellence cluster to investigate real-time protein folding dinamics at single-molecule resolution.