Developing small molecules to inhibit ricin and Shiga toxins
Official title: Small molecule inhibitors targeting the ribosome binding site of ricin and Shiga toxin
Funded at Rutgers, the State Univ of N.j. · NIH-11045668 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on developing new medicines that can stop harmful toxins from certain bacteria that cause serious food poisoning, helping to protect people from getting sick.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rutgers, the State Univ of N.j. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Piscataway, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2024 |
| Project end | January 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $687,436 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI178870-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11045668 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research would include individuals, particularly children under 11 years old, who are at risk of exposure to these toxins or suffering from related illnesses.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have already been exposed to ricin or Shiga toxins and are beyond the acute phase of illness may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on creating small molecule inhibitors that target the ribosome binding sites of ricin and Shiga toxins, which are highly toxic substances responsible for severe foodborne illnesses. The approach involves understanding how these toxins interact with ribosomal proteins and using this knowledge to design molecules that can effectively block their harmful effects. By employing advanced techniques like X-ray crystallography and cryo-electron microscopy, the researchers aim to identify critical binding sites and develop new therapeutic options beyond current supportive care.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to effective treatments for poisoning caused by ricin and Shiga toxins, significantly improving patient outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: While there has been extensive research on ricin and Shiga toxins, the specific approach of targeting ribosome interactions with small molecules is relatively novel and has not been widely tested.
Where this research is happening
-
Rutgers, the State Univ of N.j.
Piscataway, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tumer, Nilgun E — Rutgers, the State Univ of N.j.
- Study coordinator: Tumer, Nilgun E
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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.