Creating new cancer drugs using engineered enzymes
Official title: Development of a Biocatalytic Toolbox for the Synthesis of Small-Molecule Mimics of cyclic GMPAMP
Funded at University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-10992596 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $73,828 |
| NIH project number | 5F32GM151793-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10992596 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with cancer who may benefit from new immunotherapeutic options.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-cancerous conditions or those who do not respond to immunotherapy may not receive benefits from this research.
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.
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 gone: Other research has shown promise in developing similar immunotherapeutic approaches, indicating potential for success in this area.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Meyer, Cole Christian — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Meyer, Cole Christian
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.