Federal Project Grant Award Summary

Oregon State University received a $495,688 Project Grant from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) under the Allergy and Infectious Diseases Research program (CFDA 93.855), awarded on February 2, 2026, with a completion date of January 31, 2031. The research initiative focuses on mechanistic and structural studies of ureido bond formation in the biosynthesis of three families of bioactive bacterial natural products: anabaenopeptins, syringolins, and muramycins. These naturally occurring compounds possess proteolytically stable ureido bonds that contribute significantly to their biological activity and potential therapeutic applications, including anti-cancer, anti-bacterial, and anti-viral properties.

The research employs a multidisciplinary approach utilizing protein overexpression, isotope labeling, and related analytical methodologies to elucidate the biochemical mechanisms underlying ureido bond formation in non-ribosomal peptide synthetase (NRPS)-assembled intermediates. The project addresses a critical gap in understanding how these compounds are synthesized in microbial systems, with implications for manipulating biosynthetic pathways to produce novel natural products with enhanced or modified biological activities. This fundamental research supports the broader objective of developing new therapeutic candidates and advancing scientific knowledge of infectious disease mechanisms and potential treatments.