Project Grant R01GM161028

The University of Texas at Austin received a $310,750 Project Grant from the National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS) under the Biomedical Research and Research Training program (CFDA 93.859), effective May 1, 2026 through April 30, 2030. This award funds the development of chemical language models specifically designed for peptide engineering and discovery. The project addresses a critical gap in computational methodologies by creating foundation models capable of encoding peptide backbone modifications, non-canonical amino acids, and various side-chain modifications—capabilities absent in existing deep-learning language models trained primarily on either large multi-domain proteins or small molecules.

The research team, led by Principal Investigator Wilke and Co-Investigator Davies, will deliver three primary products: (1) development of chemical language models for peptides, (2) validation of these models on engineering applications including membrane diffusion and cellular entry, and (3) development and validation of language models for protein-peptide interactions. The project leverages UT Austin's computational resources through the Texas Advanced Computing Center and the Center for Generative AI to create a robust platform for investigating peptide biochemistry. This research will support the therapeutic peptide industry by providing computational tools to accelerate discovery, optimization, and clinical application of peptide-based therapeutics.