{"links":{"self":"http://dataportal.arc.gov.au/NCGP/API/grants/DE260101290"},"data":{"type":"grant-details","id":"DE260101290","attributes":{"code":"DE260101290","administering-organisation":"The University of Sydney","announcement-administering-organisation":"The University of Sydney","scheme-name":"Discovery Early Career Researcher Award","grant-status":"Active","funding-commencement-year":2026,"years-funded":3,"project-start-date":"2026-06-30","anticipated-end-date":"2029-06-29","grant-summary":"Discovery of high affinity cyclic glycopeptides via GlycoRaPID mRNA display. This project aims to develop an efficient method for screening large peptide libraries with glycan modifications against carbohydrate-binding proteins called lectins. Using initiator tRNA and a new click chemistry technique for site-specific glycosylation, I will create diverse peptide libraries with defined glycan modifications. The method developed by the project will be validated by testing on specific lectins to find high-affinity glycosylated peptide ligands. This innovative approach overcomes longstanding challenges in ribosomal glycan incorporation, facilitating the discovery of a new class of molecules for medicinal chemistry applications. The project has the potential to boost Australia's pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors.","funding-current":533936.00,"funding-at-announcement":529698,"investigators-current":[{"title":"Dr","firstName":"Yichen (Jessica)","familyName":"Zhong","roleName":"Discovery Early Career Researcher Award","roleCode":"DECRA","isFellowship":true,"orcidIdentifier":"0000-0002-2644-5329 "}],"investigators-at-announcement":[{"title":"Dr","firstName":"Yichen (Jessica)","familyName":"Zhong","roleName":"Discovery Early Career Researcher Award","roleCode":"DECRA","isFellowship":true,"orcidIdentifier":"0000-0002-2644-5329 "}],"organisations-current":[{"organisationName":"The University of Sydney","roleName":"Administering Organisation","state":"NSW"}],"organisations-at-announcement":[{"organisationName":"The University of Sydney","roleName":"Administering Organisation","state":"NSW"}],"field-of-research":[{"isPrimary":true,"code":"3404","name":"Medicinal and Biomolecular Chemistry","type":"FOR20"},{"isPrimary":false,"code":"340406","name":"Molecular Medicine","type":"FOR20"},{"isPrimary":false,"code":"340407","name":"Proteins and Peptides","type":"FOR20"}],"socio-economic-objective":[{"code":"280102","name":"Expanding Knowledge In the Biological Sciences","type":"SEO20"},{"code":"280105","name":"Expanding Knowledge In the Chemical Sciences","type":"SEO20"}],"international-collaboration":["Japan","United States of America"],"lief-register":[],"achievement-summary":null,"national-interest-test-statement":"Lectins are crucial proteins in the defence mechanisms of both plants and animals against pathogen infections. This project will establish cutting-edge technology that accelerates the development of lectin-targeting molecules by discovering high-value glycosylated peptides with broad applications in fundamental lectin research. Future applications of this technology include selectively targeting invasive plant species and inhibiting bacterial and viral infections across various biological systems.\nThis innovative technology therefore has the potential to contribute to Australia’s National Biosecurity Strategy by helping mitigate the impact of invasive plant species and pathogens, safeguarding native ecosystems and agricultural productivity. The project also aligns with Australia’s National Innovation and Science Agenda, by fostering collaboration between research institutions and industry, supporting the transition to a knowledge-based economy and encouraging new strategies for disease control, driving future economic growth in the agricultural sector.\nBy pioneering bioactive compound discovery, this research will position Australia as a global leader in biotechnological development, enhancing its role in cutting-edge research and industry innovation."}}}