Understanding and creating a sustainable source of a marine cancer-fighting compound
Official title: Elucidating and engineering eleutherobin biosynthesis
Funded at University of South Florida · NIH-11261268 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring how to make a natural substance called eleutherobin, which comes from marine life and may help stop cancer cells from growing, so that we can produce it more easily and sustainably for future cancer treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of South Florida NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tampa, United States) |
| Project start | January 4, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $248,624 |
| NIH project number | 4R00GM148783-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11261268 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients with cancers that are resistant to current treatments, particularly those involving microtubule stabilizers.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-cancerous conditions or those whose cancers do not respond to microtubule-targeting therapies may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on eleutherobin, a natural compound derived from marine organisms that shows promise in inhibiting cancer cell growth. The team aims to uncover the biosynthetic pathways that produce eleutherobin and develop methods to engineer its production using synthetic biology techniques. By identifying and manipulating the genes involved in its biosynthesis, the researchers hope to create a sustainable supply of this potent anti-cancer agent. This innovative approach combines chemical and enzymatic methods to produce eleutherobin in the lab, potentially leading to new cancer treatments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a reliable and sustainable source of eleutherobin, providing new treatment options for cancer patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in engineering biosynthetic pathways for other natural products, suggesting potential for this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of South Florida
Tampa, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Scesa, Paul David — University of South Florida
- Study coordinator: Scesa, Paul David
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.