How copper enzymes change small protein pieces
Peptide Processing by Copper Enzymes
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · OREGON HEALTH & SCIENCE UNIVERSITY · NIH-11259840
This project looks at how copper-containing enzymes modify short protein pieces, which could help lead to new antibiotics and hormone-related treatments.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | OREGON HEALTH & SCIENCE UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (PORTLAND, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11259840 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers will study two types of copper enzymes that change peptides to learn how they do their chemical work. They will use biochemical experiments, electronic structure studies, and high-resolution imaging such as cryo-electron microscopy to see how copper atoms are arranged and how they move during reactions. The team compares the well-known peptidylglycine monooxygenase (PHM) with a newly found copper-dependent cyclase to understand why they produce different outcomes. These lab studies aim to reveal mechanisms that could guide the design of new medicines derived from peptide chemistry.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This grant does not run a clinical trial, so there are no patient enrollment criteria; the work is laboratory-based and would mainly interest people following advances in drug development.
Not a fit: People seeking immediate medical treatment or clinical interventions would not receive direct benefit from this basic lab research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could uncover enzyme mechanisms that help scientists design new antibiotics, antivirals, anticancer leads, or improve hormone-related therapies.
How similar studies have performed: Similar biochemical and structural studies have yielded important insights into enzyme mechanisms, but the specific copper-driven reactions targeted here are relatively new and exploratory.
Where this research is happening
PORTLAND, UNITED STATES
- OREGON HEALTH & SCIENCE UNIVERSITY — PORTLAND, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: BLACKBURN, NINIAN J — OREGON HEALTH & SCIENCE UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: BLACKBURN, NINIAN J
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.