The chemistry and biology of circular proteins (2015–2019)
Abstract:
The broad aims of this project are to exploit our competitive edge in plant-derived ultra-stable cyclic peptides
to develop them for pharmaceutical and agricultural applications. It is based on discoveries made in our
laboratory over the last 15 years and on our proposed development of innovative new methodologies for
discovery, chemical synthesis and engineering of these molecules. The project is significant because it will
contribute to high value biotechnology and agricultural industries in Australia. The major outcomes include
fundamental new knowledge on the biosynthesis of circular proteins in plants, new approaches for their
discovery and technologies of applying them as drug leads and agricultural products.