# Structure, Function and Applications of Inteins

> **NIH NIH R37** · PRINCETON UNIVERSITY · 2020 · $545,539

## Abstract

See attached continuation.
RELEVANCE (See instructions):
Split inteins are Nature's protein ligases, mediating the traceless ligation of any polypeptide chains to which
they are appended. The research program focuses on a recently discovered family of split inteins that
mediate this ligation process with unprecedented speed and fidelity, creating enormous potential in protein
biotechnology with applications ranging from basic molecular and cell biology to the preparation of protein
therapeutics. We will determine how these proteins catalyst the ligation reaction so efficiently and then use
this information to develop therapeutic strategies targeting inteins and develop new technologies for
manipulating the structure and function of proteins in vivo.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9978867
- **Project number:** 5R37GM086868-23
- **Recipient organization:** PRINCETON UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** Tom Muir
- **Activity code:** R37 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $545,539
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 1999-09-01 → 2022-07-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9978867

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9978867, Structure, Function and Applications of Inteins (5R37GM086868-23). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9978867. Licensed CC0.

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