Exploring how marine organisms produce natural compounds for potential drug development
Official title: Biosynthesis of marine terpenoid natural products
Funded at University of California, San Diego · NIH-11088890 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring how certain natural compounds, called terpenoids, are made by marine life like corals and algae, with the goal of finding a way to produce these helpful substances more easily for medical use.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $480,689 |
| NIH project number | 5R01GM146224-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11088890 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with conditions that could benefit from new anti-cancer or anti-inflammatory treatments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have conditions related to cancer or inflammation may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the biosynthesis of terpenoids, which are natural compounds derived from marine organisms like corals and algae. By understanding the molecular pathways that lead to the production of these bioactive substances, the project aims to overcome the limitations of sourcing these compounds from rare marine life. The approach involves a multidisciplinary strategy to identify and validate the genetic and biochemical processes involved in terpenoid production, potentially enabling the microbial synthesis of these valuable compounds for therapeutic use.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of new anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory drugs derived from marine natural products.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has successfully developed drugs from marine natural products, indicating a promising potential for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Diego
La Jolla, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Moore, Bradley S — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Moore, Bradley S
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.