Mammalian peptide transporters as targets for advanced drug design and delivery

Dr Newstead will be investigating at the molecular level the structure and function of the mammalian proton-coupled peptide transporters PepT1 and PepT2, which are important for the uptake of dietary protein and provide a major route for the absorption of drugs. Currently, there is no clear molecular understanding of how PepT1 or PepT2 recognise and transport peptides or drug molecules. The binding sites of PepT1 and PepT2 have to accommodate peptides that vary significantly in size, charge and hydrophobicity, which means that they can also transport chemically diverse drug molecules. The results of Dr Newstead's work should enable the rational design of drugs with improved oral bioavailabilty, through insights gained from the use of sophisticated structural, biochemical and functional studies.