BUT2 Internship: Peptide and Organic Synthesis – Development of PROTAC Molecules for the Treatment of Parasitic Diseases
Project Description
This internship is part of the ANR DIN-R research project, which aims to develop inhibitors of the DAF-12 nuclear receptor to treat parasitic diseases and combat nematode infections.
Current treatments rely on anthelmintic drugs, whose effectiveness is increasingly compromised by the emergence of drug resistance, with no alternative expected in the short term. The originality of this project lies in targeting nuclear receptors (NRs), which regulate infection-related processes in several parasitic nematodes. Inhibiting these receptors could block the infective larval stage, preventing the parasite from establishing itself in its host. No existing drug specifically targets this critical stage, making nuclear receptors a promising therapeutic target, distinct from current anthelmintic approaches, for preventing parasitic nematode infections in humans and animals.
In this context, the Peptides team at the Institut des Biomolécules Max Mousseron (IBMM, Montpellier), in collaboration with the Centre de Biologie Structurale (Montpellier), the Innovations Thérapeutiques et Résistances research unit (Toulouse), and the Muséum national d’Histoire naturelle (Paris), aims to develop nuclear receptor degraders using the innovative PROTAC technology.
PROTACs are heterobifunctional molecules consisting of a ligand that binds to the target protein (the nuclear receptor) and another ligand that binds to an E3 ubiquitin ligase, connected by a linker. This proximity induces ubiquitination of the target protein, leading to its proteasomal degradation.
The project involves an iterative PROTAC development process, including optimization of the peptide moiety that binds to the DAF-12 nuclear receptor, selection of a ligand targeting VHL in parasitic nematodes, and identification of the optimal linker. Further optimization may include the addition of a cell-penetrating signal or stabilization of the compound to improve PROTAC efficacy.
The successful candidate will join the Peptides team at IBMM, led by M. Amblard, which specializes in the design and synthesis of peptides and PROTACs. The synthesis work will be supervised by A. Martin, P. Verdié, E. Carretero, and E. Charron.
This project, at the interface of chemistry and biology, offers a stimulating research environment focused on the development of innovative therapeutic approaches.
Student Missions
The main objective of the internship will be the synthesis and characterization of modified peptides and VHL ligands.
During the internship, you will be involved in:
- Synthesizing peptides or VHL ligands;
- Purifying the synthesized compounds using preparative HPLC or silica gel column chromatography;
- Analyzing and characterizing the compounds using appropriate techniques (LC/MS, NMR);
- Analyzing and interpreting experimental results.
Candidate Profile
We are looking for a second-year BUT Chemistry student (French University Bachelor of Technology) with an interest in peptide synthesis and organic synthesis.
The following skills and qualities are expected:
- Knowledge of organic chemistry and experimental laboratory techniques;
- Basic knowledge of the synthesis, purification, and characterization of organic molecules;
- Rigor, organizational skills, and good communication abilities.
Practical Information
Duration: 2 months
Starting date: January 18, 2027
Host Institute: Institut des Biomolécules Max Mousseron (IBMM – UMR 5247)
Research Team: Peptides
Internship location:
Pôle Chimie Balard
1919 route de Mende
Montpellier, France
Contacts:
How to Apply
Applicants are invited to submit their applications by email, no later than October 16, 2026, to: