Structural engineering of cell-penetrating peptides into biostable antibacterials to combat drug-resistant pathogens
The goal of our project is to develop a new class of peptide-based antibiotics that will effectively combat drug-resistant bacteria, thereby addressing one of the most pressing health challenges of our time and ensuring that we stay one step ahead of the superbugs.
We focus on developing improved versions of cell-penetrating peptides that normally penetrate cells without killing them. Using computer-aided design and machine learning, we will select short peptides capable of crossing membranes and will chemically modify them using multiple techniques: ‘stapling’ them into specific structures, creating disulfide bonds, and incorporating special amino acids. This will transform harmless cell-penetrating peptides into potent antibacterial compounds that should also eliminate biofilms.
Further information can be found HERE
Principal Investigator: Prof. dr hab. Joanna Trylska, CeNT UW
Project period: 2026 – 2029
Funding: National Science Centre, OPUS 29
