Creating new enzymes to build biological compounds
Official title: Engineering promiscuous enzymes for synthesis of biological building blocks
Funded at University of Wisconsin-Madison · NIH-10842118 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is all about improving special proteins called enzymes that help make important building blocks for medicines, which could lead to better treatments for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Wisconsin-Madison NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Madison, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $400,154 |
| NIH project number | 1R35GM153276-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10842118 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for benefiting from this research include individuals with conditions that could be treated by new therapeutic compounds developed through enhanced enzyme synthesis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions that do not require new drug development or those not affected by metabolic disorders may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on engineering enzymes that can efficiently create carbon-carbon bonds, which are essential for synthesizing various biological building blocks. By studying specific enzymes that utilize pyridoxal phosphate, the team aims to understand their mechanisms and improve their functionality. The approach includes detailed structural and kinetic analyses, as well as innovative screening methods to enhance enzyme evolution. Patients may benefit from advancements in drug development and therapeutic compounds resulting from these engineered enzymes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective and safer drugs by improving the synthesis of essential biological compounds.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in engineering enzymes for improved synthesis, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Madison, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Buller, Andrew — University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Study coordinator: Buller, Andrew
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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.