Non-canonical Amino Acids for in vitro Display Systems

AstraZeneca, a global science-led biopharmaceutical business, aims to build a world-class peptide discovery platform combining phage and mRNA display technologies with incorporation of non-canonical amino acids (ncAAs). These ncAAs can enable new chemistries in peptides such as cyclization, or introduce novel physicochemical properties including altered hydrophobicity, charge, or backbone rigidity to manipulate peptide solubility, cellular uptake, or overall structural dynamics.

Approaches of interest

• Efficient incorporation of ncAAs allowing for thioether macrocycle cyclisation in phage display systems, going beyond simple use of evolved tRNA synthetases and overcoming limitations of stop codon reprogramming
• Efficient incorporation of ncAAs allowing for thioether macrocycle cyclisation in mRNA display/cell-free protein expression systems
• Incorporation of other ncAAs such as N-methylated amino acids, fluorosulphate-amino acids, or Aib in mRNA display/cell-free protein expression systems
• Solutions that provide AstraZeneca with reagents enabling at least one of the above approaches
   

Developmental stage of interest: Solutions should be immediately translatable and provide reagents for implementation. Selected applicants will participate in a virtual Challenge Week to pitch ideas and develop workplans with AstraZeneca scientists, with winning projects beginning quickly under collaboration agreements.

Email Cameron Sargent or Swapneeta Date for more information.

Please note: Full RFP is attached in the "More Information" section of this page. Faculty and researchers interested in applying for these opportunities based on technologies developed or disclosed at Vanderbilt must submit their proposals through the CTTC.