Investigating enzymes that create bioactive peptides for new therapies
Official title: Structure, Function, and Engineering of RiPP Biosynthetic Enzymes
Funded at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign · NIH-11080203 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how specific enzymes turn inactive substances into helpful compounds that could lead to new treatments for conditions like cancer and infections, so patients can have better options for their health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Champaign, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $602,680 |
| NIH project number | 5R35GM151874-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11080203 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research include individuals with conditions that could be treated by novel bioactive peptides, such as cancer or bacterial infections.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions that do not respond to peptide-based therapies may not receive benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how certain enzymes convert inactive peptide substrates into active compounds that can be used for therapeutic purposes. By studying the mechanisms of these biosynthetic enzymes, the research aims to improve the production of existing bioactive peptides and discover new ones. Patients may benefit from the development of novel treatments for conditions such as cancer and bacterial infections. The research employs biochemical and structural biology techniques to explore enzyme functions and substrate interactions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of new and improved therapies for various diseases, including cancer and bacterial infections.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in utilizing biosynthetic enzymes for therapeutic development, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Champaign, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nair, Satish K — University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
- Study coordinator: Nair, Satish K
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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.