Research in the Lee Lab is focused on three on-going projects conducted by Professor Moses Lee, Dr Sameer Chavda and Dr Balaji Babu. The first project gains fundamental insight into the synthetic methodology behind the synthesis of small molecules known as polyamides, along with their biophysical/biological characterisation. Based on a naturally occurring product called distamycin, these polyamides have been found to bind as anti-parallel stacked dimers within the minor groove of DNA. In addition they have also been shown to exhibit intrinsic sequence specificity and as a result act as potential gene targeting agents. The second project involves the development DNA binding molecules, inspired from the duocarmycins, that can act potential anti-malarial agents. The third project involves the design, synthesis and biological evaluation of derived from Combretastatin A4 (CA4), a natural product which possesses potent anti-angiogenic and anti-cancer activity. However, due to its lack of solubility in water, this compound could not serve as a candidate for clinical evaluation. Currently, molecular modelling studies have shown that the key to the cytoxicity of the Combretastatin A4 analogues synthesised to date in the Lee lab is their twisted conformation. Current aims of this project include further improving the water solubility of these compounds. Results from recent studies indicate that in addition to their anticancer properties, the combretastatin analogues also possess significant activity against Leishmania, a prevalent human pathogen.
For a more detailed description of this research including references for further rading please visit the website: www.hope.edu/academic/chemistry/faculty/lee/research.html
The Lee Lab consists of two laboratories (synthetic and biophysical/biological) and these are both overseen by Dr. Lee's Research Director: Dr. Sameer Chavda. Dr. Chavda supervises the day-to-day running of the synthesis lab in which the group's molecules are made. Techniques commonly employed involve: anhydrous reactions, reflux, hydrogenation, distillation, flash column chromatography, recrystalization etc. Dr. Babu supervises the day-to-day operations of the biophysical/biological lab. In this lab the molecules from the synth team are analyzed by spectroscopic and calorimetric techniques (e.g. Tm, CD and ITC) to determine how strongly the compounds interact with DNA and to what sequence. Our biological facility allows us to determine if our molecules are toxic towards to murine cancer cells. When you apply, please specify if you would like to work in the synthetic or biophysical laboratory and we will do our best to accommodate your interests. [In order to work in synthesis you must have some background in organic chemistry and be a chemistry major]. Your actual project will not be assigned to you until you start, so we can ensure that you work on a project that is best suited to your specific talents. We tentatively have space and funding for 6-8 students across the whole group for Summer 2008. You would be expected to work 10 consecutive weeks and our dates would be the same as the 'official' chemistry department research program dates (usually mid-May until the end of July).
In addition to attending all compulsory department events e.g. weekly seminars, research lunches, research poster day and preparing a poster presentation, oral seminar and abstract; you will be expected to attend and present at weekly group meetings and submit a report at the end of the 10 week period. We will also have group social events to make the summer fun! We look forward to receiving your application!
Dr. Chavda, Dr. Babu and Dr. Lee
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