Analysis of turn-rich bioactive peptide properties through an approach combining solution and solid-state NMR and theoretical calculations

Bioactive peptides have emerged as a promising class of drugs in the field of pharmacology, due to their specificity and their capacity to selectively target distinct biological processes. Their use as therapeutic agents has become widespread, with various administration routes (dry or wet forms). An important question is how the peptide structure may be affected by the nature of the formulation.

The main objective of this project is to evaluate the impact of the physical state of bioactive peptides, especially those rich in turns in drug preformulation stages.  To this end, we plan to develop an approach combining liquid and solid-state NMR, as well as theoretical calculations. We will first investigate the complementarity of liquid and solid-state NMR in beta-turn characterization using model peptides. Then we will apply the developed methodologies to bioactive peptides of interest.

The COBRA (Organic and Bioorganic Chemistry: Reactivity and Analysis) laboratory is a joint research unit (UMR-6014) associating the University of Rouen Normandy, INSA Rouen Normandy, and CNRS. The laboratory is primarily located in the IRCOF building (Institute of Research in Fine Organic Chemistry) in Mont-Saint-Aignan.

The overall scientific objective of the COBRA laboratory is to develop innovative methods in organic synthesis, analytical chemistry, and molecular modeling and apply them to various sub-domains of the discipline (bioorganic chemistry, pharmaceutical chemistry, eco-friendly chemistry, materials chemistry) relying on a high-performing research team in analysis.

The applicant should have a Master Degree with a speciality in Analytical Chemistry, Physical Chemistry or Structural Biology. He/She must also have taken courses on NMR spectroscopy. Crystallisation, peptide/protein NMR or molecular modeling knowledge would be an asset. Fluency in English (both oral and written) is mandatory.