Creating new enzymes to add halogens to small molecules for pharmaceuticals and agriculture
Official title: Engineering Halogenases for Small Molecule Functionalization and Enantioselective Catalysis
Funded at Trustees of Indiana University · NIH-11001996 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on creating special enzymes that can help make better medicines and agricultural products by adding important halogen atoms to certain compounds, which could eventually lead to more effective treatments for patients like you.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Trustees of Indiana University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Bloomington, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2024 |
| Project end | November 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $335,943 |
| NIH project number | 5R35GM152068-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11001996 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for benefiting from this research include individuals who require innovative treatments for diseases that could be addressed by new pharmaceuticals developed through these methods.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions that are not addressed by pharmaceuticals or agrochemicals may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing specialized enzymes that can add halogen atoms to organic compounds, which are crucial for creating effective pharmaceuticals and agricultural chemicals. By engineering flavin-dependent halogenases and Fe(II)/α-ketoglutarate dependent halogenases, the project aims to enhance the selectivity and efficiency of halogenation reactions. Patients may benefit indirectly from this work as it could lead to the development of more effective medications and treatments derived from these halogenated compounds.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the creation of more effective and targeted pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals, improving treatment options for various diseases.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success in engineering enzymes for similar applications, indicating a promising avenue for further advancements.
Where this research is happening
-
Trustees of Indiana University
Bloomington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lewis, Jared C — Trustees of Indiana University
- Study coordinator: Lewis, Jared C
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.