Scientists Create 'Designer Proteins' In Fight Against Alzheimer's Disease, Cancer

Researchers at the University of Leicester have reported a breakthrough in techniques for developing new drugs against health issues such as cancer and Alzheimer's.

Together, they discovered an innovative process to generate a particular type of synthetic amino acid that designs a protein that's not been made before.

"We are very proud of this research, it has taken several years of hard work to master the chemistry techniques to create these new building blocks but now that we have conquered it we have access to new building blocks that people have only ever dreamed of before!" said lead study author Dr. Andrew Jamieson, in a news release. 

For the study, researchers used amino acids to make unnatural mini-proteins with new 3D structures and build new functions.

"Our new practical method allows us to selectively synthesise only the "right handed molecules," Dr. Jamieson added.  "This new research is important because it has uncovered a new, easier and quicker way to make these building blocks which can be used to make new drugs. We now have access to new building blocks to develop innovative new protein drugs for the treatment of disease.

"We are actively using these building blocks to develop new treatments for cancer and Alzheimer's disease. We have also had a summer student use the building blocks to synthesise a toxin produced by a sea snail, and hope to develop this as a new pain killer."

Dr Jamieson concluded that innovative new strategies are required for drug discovery that can potentially provide highly potent drugs with no side-effects to treat the aforementioned health issues. Access to these new building blocks is the first step in developing their innovative new protein drug strategy and making target treatment approaches for these and other health issues.

More information regarding the findings can be seen via the journal Organic and Biomolecular Chemistry.