Matt Anderson

• CDT Doctoral Researcher Supervisor: Mike Waring
• Email: M.Anderson9@newcastle.ac.uk
• Project Title: Design and synthesis of DNA encoded libraries of unnatural peptides to discover specific chemical probes

Institution: Newcastle University

Project Summary: Large libraries of encoded peptides, including cyclic systems, can be made using biological technologies such as peptide display methods.  The current scope, however, is restricted to proteinogenic amino acids and their close analogues; peptides are of limited use as drugs due to poor cell permeability and proteolysis.  DNA-encoded libraries allow for the synthesis of more diverse ligands, potentially on a very large scale.  This project will combine biological and synthetic methods of encoded library production in order to produce libraries of unnatural amino acids, combined with the incorporation of unnatural warheads for common proteins into cyclic peptide libraries. 

Interesting Fact: Fell in love with Bolognese pizza after climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro.