Enzymatic synthesis of thioether-ring-containing (poly)peptides for enhancing stability and modulating bioactivity (GBC.6927)

Goal of the research is to use bacterial enzymes to insert stereo- and regiospecifically thioether rings into therapeutic peptides and peptide antibiotics. The utilization addresses therapeutic peptide instability and proteolytic degradation. By thioether-ring stabilization, the peptides will require less frequent administration and lower doses. Their bioavailability and shelf life will be strongly increased and it will be possible to deliver some peptides orally and pulmonarily. The utilization addresses as well the spreading resistance of pathogens against classical antibiotics. This project combines the complementary expertises of Molecular Microbiology (Prof. Dr. A.J.M. Driessen), Molecular Genetics (Prof. Dr. O.P. Kuipers) and BiOMaDe Technology Foundation (Prof. Dr. G.T. Robillard).