Synthesis, Biosynthesis and Mode-of-Action of Fungal Cyclopeptides

• Applicants: Privatdozent Dr. Enno Klußmann; Professor Dr. Roderich D. Süßmuth
• Subject Area: Biological and Biomimetic Chemistry ; Cell Biology
• Term: since 2023
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 530454070

A small molecule and various cyclopeptides have been described to be related to intoxications from mushrooms. The chemical synthesis and the biosynthesis are unknown to date, as well as the underlying mode-of-action and the molecular target structures. Based on initial experiments, in this joint project between labs from peptide (bio)chemistry and cell biology we will investigate the origins in order to possibly find explanations for the observed physiological effects. The project comprises the chemical synthesis of the cyclopeptides, the search for the biosynthetic origin, structure-activity-relations based on the chemical synthesis of analogs, the search for the addressed receptor(s) and target structures, as well as the involvement of redistribution of the water channel aquaporin-2 between cytoplasm and membrane. The clarification of the modes-of-action could be the basis for the development of drugs.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants