Much research has been done to combat the emerging problem of antibiotic resistance. In this research project, Helix 69 (H69), a region of the rRNA (ribosomal ribonucleic acid) in the bacterial ribosome that is crucial to cellular function has been studied. The main goal is to discover compounds that target H69 as potential therapeutic leads. To achieve this goal, several peptides were selected that have moderate binding affinity towards H69. However, these peptides have difficulty penetrating the cells of bacterial pathogens. In this project, known cell-penetrating peptide (CPP) sequences are being used in order to aid in the cellular transport of H69-targeting peptides. A peptide with moderately high (µM) affinity and selectivity towards H69 was attached chemically to a CPP to enhance drug delivery. Future studies will involve binding studies along with cell studies in order to determine the efficacy of the newly synthesized peptides.

Synthesis of novel cell-penetrating sequences with selective binding to Helix 69

253rd National Meeting (2017)

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