Finding natural enzymes and modified peptides to help make better cancer and antibiotic medicines
Discovery and characterization of biocatalysts and metabolites for ribosomally encoded alpha-N-methylated peptide natural products
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA · NIH-11330195
Researchers are finding natural enzymes and tiny modified peptides that could lead to more stable, cell-penetrating cancer and antibiotic drugs.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (MINNEAPOLIS, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11330195 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This project searches microorganisms for natural enzymes that add special chemical tags (alpha-N-methyl groups) to small peptides, changes that can make drugs more stable and better at getting into cells. The team studies how these enzymes work, how they cooperate or inhibit each other, and how they make complex circular peptides. They are also looking for such modified compounds produced by bacteria that infect people with cystic fibrosis. The work combines lab chemistry, protein and enzyme studies, and analysis of microbial products to build a toolbox researchers can use to make and test new drug candidates.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with cystic fibrosis or those who can provide bacterial samples from relevant infections might be asked to contribute samples that help identify these natural compounds.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate treatment or those without relevant infections are unlikely to gain direct benefit from this laboratory-focused research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could enable new or improved cancer and antibiotic medicines that stay active longer and enter cells more easily.
How similar studies have performed: Natural product drugs like cyclosporin show that backbone-methylated peptides can be powerful medicines, but applying ribosomally encoded alpha-N-methylation is a newer and less-tested approach.
Where this research is happening
MINNEAPOLIS, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA — MINNEAPOLIS, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: FREEMAN, MICHAEL F — UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA
- Study coordinator: FREEMAN, MICHAEL F
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 below.
Conditions: Anti-Cancer Agents, Cancer Drug