The National Science Foundation (NSF) awarded a 5-year, $480,730 CAREER grant under the Engineering program (CFDA 47.041) to Tufts University to evaluate the impact of modifying antibodies with unique amino acids on the regulation of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity. The goal is to establish principles of "chemically diversified" antibodies that enable next-generation protease inhibitor discovery. The project will integrate noncanonical amino acids and yeast display technology to exploit covalent binding and metal binding functionalities within antibodies, with the aim of identifying chemistries capable of interfering with MMP enzyme functions. The project also includes an educational component to enhance the Tufts STEM Ambassadors program and strengthen a partnership with a local vocational/technical high school's biotechnology program. No subawards are planned for this grant.
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