Project Description: |
PEPTIDE SYNTHESIS Peptides are small polyamides made from natural amino acids which are sequentially joined in an orderly manner. The first synthetic peptides (pituitary gland hormones oxytocin and vasopressin) were prepared synthetically by Dr. Du Vigneaud (Chemistry Nobel 1955). Later, Dr. Merrifield at Rockefeller University developed a solid phase peptide synthesis (SPPS) method which greatly simplified the work and increased the output efficiency. For that work Merrifield received the Chemistry Nobel prize in 1984. Many commercial peptide products are produced by this approach. The future of peptide chemistry and its impact on new therapeutics are unlimited. Dr. Fu is fortunate to receive a gift of a solid phase synthesizer from a commercial manufacturer. The Model 336X (http://www.csbio.com/) is a teaching/research instrument. To read more on the peptide synthesizer go to: http://www.hope.edu/academic/chemistry/facilities/index.html
The emphasis here is help the students learn to use the computer to perform the synthesis. Such specialized skills will benefit the students who intend to seek employment in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries or for students wanting to further their education in the field of peptide synthesis.
Summer research students are expected to work 10 40-hour weeks and our dates would fall within the 'official' chemistry department research program dates (usually mid-May until the end of July).
Attendance of department events is mandatory. Examples of these are weekly seminars, research lunches, research poster day and preparation of a poster presentation, oral seminar and abstract. You are also expected to attend and present at regular group meetings and submit a report at the end of the 10 week period. There will be group social events to make the summer fun! I look forward to receiving your application!
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