Theoretical and computational approaches to accurately predict the structures of a unique family of circular and knotted proteins. [ 2007-01-01 - 2010-12-31 ]

Research Grant

Researchers: Dr Quentin Kaas (Postdoctoral Fellow) ,  Dr Quentin Kaas (Postdoctoral Fellow)

Brief description Theoretical and computational approaches to accurately predict the structures of a unique family of circular and knotted proteins. The primary outcome will be a fundamental new knowledge on cyclotide structures and a new protein engineering method to design stabilised proteins. Because cyclotides have significantly higher stabilities than conventional proteins, they have a range of pharmaceutical and agricultural applications. Both fields of use have the potential for very great economic and social benefits for Australia. From a pharmaceutical perspective our computing development will greatly facilitate the design of stabilised peptide-based drugs using the cyclotide framework. Such drugs have potential sales of several billion dollars per annum and the royalty returns from successful commercialisation of IP can be substantial.

Funding Amount $266,090

Funding Scheme Discovery Projects

View this grant in the ARC Data Portal