Self-assembly of therapeutic peptides
Increasing our understanding of mechanisms behind self-assembly as way to predict peptide aggregation behaviour, and the significance of aggregation on biological response.
Research scientist: Ellen Brunzell, MSc
Principal Investigator: Associate Professor Magnus Bergström, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Uppsala University
Scientific and industrial context. Aggregation of peptides in pharmaceutical formulations is a problem that affects the product’s shelf life, safety, and efficacy. Aggregated peptides is, in many cases, linked to increased immunogenicity and altered effect. A deeper understanding of mechanisms, causes, and driving factors behind self-assembly of peptides is meaningful to be able to increase their stability in pharmaceutical formulations. Accumulation of peptide aggregates occurs in several neurodegenerative diseases, and an increased knowledge of aggregation could contribute to the research of these illnesses.
Aim. The aim of the project is to characterize the structure of self-assembled peptides by using small-angle scattering measurements, mainly X-ray and neutron scattering. By comparing our results with in vivo methods, the structure of peptide aggregates and its correlation with biological effects can be investigated.
Outcome. Increased understanding of mechanisms behind self-assembly as way to predict peptide aggregation behaviour, and the significance of aggregation on biological response.