Douglas Mitchell, PhD

Our lab focuses on the discovery, biosynthesis, and re-engineering of ribosomally synthesized and post-translationally modified peptides (RiPPs). Using a genes-to-molecules approach, we leverage big data genomics analyses to inform RiPP structure and function. These efforts routinely uncover unique enzyme chemistries that constrain peptides in a manner that enables high-affinity engagement with biological targets. Our work aims to harness RiPP biosynthetic pathways to create new-to-nature compounds with novel activities to improve human health.

Keywords: chemical biology, genome mining, bioinformatics, microbial natural products, enzyme chemistry, antibiotics, drug design