Creating new cancer drugs using engineered enzymes

Development of a Biocatalytic Toolbox for the Synthesis of Small-Molecule Mimics of cyclic GMPAMP

NIH-funded research University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-10992596

This study is working on making new cancer treatments that could help your immune system fight cancer better by creating simpler versions of a special molecule, and it aims to make these treatments easier to produce for patients like you.

Quick facts

Grant typeFellowship grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Ann Arbor, United States)
Project IDNIH-10992596 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on developing new cancer treatments by creating small molecule mimics of cyclic GMP-AMP (cGAMP), which are promising immunotherapeutic agents. The project aims to simplify the synthesis of these complex molecules using advanced biocatalysis techniques, specifically by engineering the enzyme cGAMP synthase (cGAS). By exploring a diverse library of cGAS variants, the researchers hope to create more effective and accessible cancer drugs. Patients may benefit from these new therapies as they could enhance the immune response against cancer cells.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with cancer who may benefit from new immunotherapeutic options.

Not a fit: Patients with non-cancerous conditions or those who do not respond to immunotherapy may not receive benefits from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of innovative cancer therapies that improve patient outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in developing similar immunotherapeutic approaches, indicating potential for success in this area.

Where this research is happening

Ann Arbor, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Anti-Cancer AgentsCancer DrugCancer TreatmentCancers
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.