Creating new mini-enzymes to help break down molecules in the body
Official title: De Novo Mini-Metalloenyzmes with Hydrolase Activity
Funded at Gettysburg College · NIH-10359516 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on creating tiny artificial enzymes that help break down molecules with water, which is important for many body processes, and it aims to improve our understanding of how these enzymes can help treat rare genetic diseases caused by enzyme problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R15 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Gettysburg College NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Gettysburg, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2022 |
| Project end | December 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2022 |
| Award (this year) | $382,063 |
| NIH project number | 1R15GM144906-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10359516 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with rare genetic diseases linked to enzyme deficiencies, particularly those involving hydrolases.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to enzyme function or those not affected by hydrolase malfunctions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing small artificial enzymes that can facilitate important biochemical reactions known as hydrolytic cleavages, which involve breaking apart molecules with the addition of water. These reactions are crucial for various cellular processes and can be affected by malfunctions in hydrolases, leading to rare genetic diseases. The project aims to create and optimize mini-metalloenzymes that utilize metal ions to enhance their activity, and will involve designing a library of proteins to test their effectiveness in catalyzing these reactions. Patients may benefit from a better understanding of these enzymes and their role in treating conditions related to hydrolase deficiencies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for genetic diseases caused by hydrolase malfunctions.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of creating mini-metalloenzymes is innovative, similar research has shown promise in understanding enzyme functions and developing new therapeutic strategies.
Where this research is happening
-
Gettysburg College
Gettysburg, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Buettner, Katherine Michelle — Gettysburg College
- Study coordinator: Buettner, Katherine Michelle
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Developing new lipids to deliver RNA into cells
This study is exploring new ways to help deliver RNA treatments into cells more effectively, which could lead to better therapies for genetic disorders and other diseases that need gene editing or silencing.
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.