Time to shine for constrained peptides as next-generation pharmaceuticals. Current methods for the screening and generation of peptide and protein drugs are laborious, expensive and often incompatible with the biological systems used in pharmaceutical industries. Leveraging recent advancements in chemistry and molecular biology, this project aims to improve the design, synthesis and screening of peptide-based pharmaceuticals. Key research outcomes are innovative biocompatible chemical transforma ....Time to shine for constrained peptides as next-generation pharmaceuticals. Current methods for the screening and generation of peptide and protein drugs are laborious, expensive and often incompatible with the biological systems used in pharmaceutical industries. Leveraging recent advancements in chemistry and molecular biology, this project aims to improve the design, synthesis and screening of peptide-based pharmaceuticals. Key research outcomes are innovative biocompatible chemical transformations for the screening of large peptide libraries, to unleash the revolutionary potential of constrained peptides in drug development. Expected benefits are reliable and cost-effective technologies for the rapid production of biologically active molecules for future targeted use in human and agricultural pharmaceuticals.Read moreRead less
The hidden secondary metabolite biosynthetic potential of fungi. This proposal aims to develop synthetic biology tools to allow rapid access to the hidden metabolites encoded in fungal genomes and discover how they interact with plant and animal hosts. Genome sequencing reveals that fungi harbour vast hidden potential for biosynthesis of bioactive small molecules. The lack of tools to efficiently access this hidden potential has hindered the ability to develop this uncharted chemical diversity f ....The hidden secondary metabolite biosynthetic potential of fungi. This proposal aims to develop synthetic biology tools to allow rapid access to the hidden metabolites encoded in fungal genomes and discover how they interact with plant and animal hosts. Genome sequencing reveals that fungi harbour vast hidden potential for biosynthesis of bioactive small molecules. The lack of tools to efficiently access this hidden potential has hindered the ability to develop this uncharted chemical diversity for pharmaceutics and agriculture, and understand their biological roles in pathogens. Expected outcomes include sources of bioactive molecules and better management of fungal diseases in crops and humans.Read moreRead less