The major focus of my laboratory is the discovery and development of novel small molecule inhibitors targeting purine-utilizing proteins involved in various aspects of human disease. Specific targets of interest include heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70), fatty acid synthase, Zipper interacting protein kinases and dengue fever non-structural protein 5 (NS5). Hsp90, Hsp70 and fatty acid synthase all have cancer and antiviral therapeutic indications and we are actively developing a series molecules specifically targeting these proteins that were scratch discovered in our laboratory. We have also developed a series of novel imaging molecules based on our Hsp90 inhibitor series that have utility as both diagnostics and potentially curative strategies for a number human cancers and viral infections. Our Zip kinase inhibitors have shown indications as anti-hypertensive agents as well as having utility in preventing reperfusion injury after stroke. The foundations of these programs are based on the development a chemoproteomic strategy utilizing affinity methods combined with in house organic synthetic chemistry.
