Exploring how natural compounds called terpenes can be created and used for health benefits.
Official title: Understanding and manipulating biosynthetic mechanisms for formation of terpenes relevant to human health
Funded at University of California at Davis · NIH-11136850 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring how certain natural compounds called terpenes can be created and used to develop new treatments that might help with health issues like cancer and inflammation, so patients could eventually benefit from these innovative therapies.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California at Davis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Davis, United States) |
| Project start | July 15, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $368,172 |
| NIH project number | 5R35GM153469-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11136850 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research would include individuals suffering from conditions like cancer, chronic pain, or inflammatory diseases.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to the biological activities of terpenes, such as purely genetic disorders without inflammatory or pain components, may not receive benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the natural processes that produce terpenes and terpenoids, which are compounds known for their diverse biological activities, including anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory effects. By using advanced computational chemistry techniques, the team aims to understand and manipulate these biosynthetic mechanisms to create new terpene-like compounds. Patients may benefit from the development of novel therapies derived from these compounds that could address various health conditions. The research employs a systematic approach to model and predict the behavior of these compounds in biological systems.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of new therapeutic agents for a range of health issues, including pain relief and cancer treatment.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in manipulating natural compounds for therapeutic use, indicating that this approach could yield significant advancements.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California at Davis
Davis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tantillo, Dean — University of California at Davis
- Study coordinator: Tantillo, Dean
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.