Small-molecule blockers that prevent ricin and Shiga toxin from damaging ribosomes
Small molecule inhibitors targeting the ribosome binding site of ricin and Shiga toxin
['FUNDING_R01'] · RUTGERS, THE STATE UNIV OF N.J. · NIH-11284069
New small-molecule drugs are being developed to block ricin and Shiga toxins and could help people exposed to these dangerous toxins.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | RUTGERS, THE STATE UNIV OF N.J. (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (PISCATAWAY, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11284069 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers discovered a specific spot on the ribosome where ricin and Shiga toxins attach and are designing small molecules to block that interaction. They use high-resolution structural imaging (X-ray and cryo-EM) and fragment-based screening to find chemical fragments that bind the toxin contact site. Promising molecules are optimized by structure-guided chemistry and tested in lab assays and animal models to check whether they stop the toxins from damaging cells. Successful candidates would then move toward safety testing and possible future human trials.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People exposed to ricin or those suffering from infections that produce Shiga toxin (such as severe STEC infections) would be the likely candidates for future clinical testing.
Not a fit: Patients with illnesses not caused by ricin or Shiga toxins, or those with irreversible organ damage from late presentation, are unlikely to benefit from these specific inhibitors.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could produce the first drugs that directly stop ricin and Shiga toxins and reduce severe illness after exposure.
How similar studies have performed: This is a novel approach for small-molecule inhibition: no approved small-molecule drugs exist yet, though peptide inhibitors and early fragment hits provide encouraging preliminary support.
Where this research is happening
PISCATAWAY, UNITED STATES
- RUTGERS, THE STATE UNIV OF N.J. — PISCATAWAY, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: TUMER, NILGUN E — RUTGERS, THE STATE UNIV OF N.J.
- Study coordinator: TUMER, NILGUN E
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.