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A man wearing a light blue T-shirt sits in front of several pieces of black laboratory equipment in a brown room.
The CC-LEGO project: Ajasja Ljubetič © Avguštin Solce, 2026

ProjectCC-LEGO

Building next-gen medicines, block-by-block

Robust protein blocks to build cages and layers (CC-LEGO)

"The introduction of innovative methodologies in protein design is expected to strengthen the visibility and potential of EU countries in the field of protein nanomaterials." - Dr. Ajasja Ljubetič

Project impact

Drug developers can now design new proteins down to the nanometre. This opens the gates to a new generation of drug treatments for diseases like influenza and Alzheimer's. To help them do this, Dr. Ajasja Ljubetič, the researcher leading the CC‑LEGO project, together with his supervisor, Nobel Prize winner David Baker, developed a toolbox for protein assembly, fusing proteins together using well-understood structures called ‘coiled coils’. The project used cutting-edge software to create LEGO-like building blocks, crafting entirely new proteins never seen before in nature. By inserting synthetic DNA into bacteria, they were able to get them to produce the new proteins so they could be tested. The tests showed that these experimental new proteins could be built into cages and fibres that may act as vehicles to carry drugs safely into the body, helping to reduce side effects and ensuring that these medicines work as intended.

  • Coordinator

    Slovenia

    Kemijski Institut

  • Participating and partners countries

      • USA
        • University of Washington

    • Project duration

      1 September 2018 - 31 August 2022

    • Funding scheme

      MSCA Individual Fellowship

    • Net EU contribution

      € 250 774,20

    • Strategic topic

      Health