The rise of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has developed into a slow-moving epidemic, fueled by the overuse and misuse of antibiotics, coupled with a stagnation in the development of new antimicrobial agents over the past four decades. Addressing this crisis requires not only more judicious use of existing antibiotics but also the development of innovative drugs capable of overcoming resistant pathogens. In this context, the abundant genomic data generated in the omics era has facilitated the resurgence of natural products as a vital source of novel compounds. Among these, natural peptides—with their unique and diverse chemical properties—have garnered particular interest as potential antibiotics, anticancer agents, and inhibitors targeting specific pathological processes.
The aim of this PhD project is to develop a novel, modular enzymatic tool that enables the in silico design and synthesis of peptides with unprecedented chemical diversity. Central to this approach is the exploitation of a unique chemical reaction: protein splicing. This innovative reaction allows precise removal or editing of specific peptidic sequences, thereby providing a powerful platform to generate hybrid peptides with tailored functionalities, including potential therapeutic agents.
This project will integrate structural and functional studies, computational peptide design and enzyme engineering, aiming to expand the chemical and functional diversity of peptide-based molecules. The successful candidate will work in a state-of-the-art research setting, equipped with cutting-edge facilities and collaborative opportunities, fostering innovative approaches and impactful contributions to the field.