ARC Centre of Excellence (CE200100012), December 2020-December 2027
Tittle: ARC Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science (CIPPS)
Researchers: Chief Investigators: David Craik, Richard Payne, Katherine Belov, Katrina Jolliffe, Elizabeth New, David Fairlie, Glenn King, Sónia Troeira Henriques, Gottfried Otting, Lara Malins, Colin Jackson, Max Cryle, Gregory Challis, Michelle Colgrave; International Associate Investigators: Hidde Ploegh, David Baker, Hiroaki Suga, Benjamin Davis, Bradley Pentelute, Willem van Der Donk, Ali Tavassoli, Gregory Savage
Description: The ARC Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science (CIPPS) strives to build a critical understanding of peptides and proteins in order to unleash the potential of these biomolecules for human benefit. We will discover nature’s untapped reservoir of peptides and proteins, decode their structures and functions, and develop enhanced synthetic technologies to address biology’s next grand challenge: the design of peptides and proteins for targeted scientific, agricultural, biotechnology, animal health and pharmaceutical applications. CIPPS will assemble leading researchers from diverse disciplines to create a sustainable national entity that will drive new Australian industries and train next generation researchers.
ARC Discovery Project (DP220103549), January 2022 – December 2024
Tittle: Making Peptides Orally Bioavailable
Researchers: CIA: Richard Clark, CIB: Trent Woodruff, CIC: Johan Rosengren, CID: Sónia T. Henriques
Description: Bioactive peptides are exceptionally useful molecules, however to fully realise their exciting applications key limitations need to be overcome: they can’t be delivered orally and they do not last long in the body. This project aims to develop a molecular tag that can dramatically enhance both the oral absorption and time in the body of a peptide. This will include identifying the key elements of the tag required for function, the breadth of peptide cargoes it can be applied to and the mechanisms underlying this technology. The outcomes of this project will facilitate the future development of peptides for biotechnology, pharmaceutical and veterinary applications.