LAB PHILOSOPHY:

        The focus of the lab is to understand biological processes at physical chemical levels.  We seek to understand how atomic level changes in small molecules and macromolecules affect their  association and reactivity.  In addition, we are interested in applying this fundamental understanding to the design of therapeutic molecules.   To this end, we use an array of tools, computational, synthetic, biochemical, biological.  We ignore the traditional boundries between these disciplines in the interest of quickly gaining the deepest level of understanding of a given biochemical problem.
 

NEWS

RESEARCH SUPPORTED BY:
 

MAIN AREAS OF STUDY:

    1)  Telomerase Inhibition

    Telomerase is a putative "universal" anti-cancer drug target.  We are examining the biochemistry of inhibition of this target using both natural and synthetic compounds.  This project utilizes biochemistry as well as solution and solid-phase synthetic methods.and novel analytical approaches.  

    2) Light Activated RNA Interference

We are developing methods for the patterning of gene expression by bringing the process of RNA interference under the control of light.

    3)  Molecular Evolution

    We are interested in understanding how simple organic molecules first associated to form complex macromolecules, and how the world of proteins first associated with the information bearing and catalytic world of polynucleotides.

    4) Molecular Design Using Fullerenes

    We are exploring the use of fullerenes as general scaffolds upon which to present pharmacophores, the arrangement of functional groups that is key for a molecule to bind to its receptor.  Fullerenes represent a unique framework upon which to vary the key geometric relationships that define the pharmacophore.
 
 

TEACHING:

    1)  341 Medicinal Chemistry: Fall

    2)  521 Advanced Organic Medicinal Chemistry:  Fall of Odd Years.  The support of the Chemical Computing Group with multiple licenses for the Molecular Operating Environment is gratefully acknolwedged:
 
 

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