Research Program Statement

A primary focus of the research efforts of the Pinney Group lies in the total synthesis of structurally challenging and biologically relevant and interesting natural and non-natural products. Specifically, we have a special interest in the design, synthesis, and biochemical evaluation of anti-tumor, anti-mitotic agents that mediate their primary biological activity through a direct binding interaction with tubulin. Additional projects include the discovery and development of new serotonin re-uptake inhibitors, new synthetic methodology for the preparation of conjugated dienes with absolute stereocontrol, and compounds that bind to cruzain and the cathepsins.

 

Brief Overview of Research Projects

• Molecular Recognition for Protein and Enzyme Binding Sites*
• Design and Synthesis of New Anti-Tumor, Inhibitors of Tubulin Assembly (Polymerization) *
• Discovery of Improved Vascular Disrupting Agents for Cancer Chemotherapy*
• Targeting Tumor Hypoxia with Bioreductively Activated Compounds*
• Inhibitors of Cathepsin L to Potentially Limit Cancer Metastasis*

• New Drug Development for the Treatment of Chagas’ Disease*
• Design and Synthesis of Novel Serotonin Re-uptake Inhibitors
• Development of New Synthetic Methodology for the Preparation of Conjugated Dienes with Absolute Stereocontrol

(*Significant Collaboration with The Trawick Research Group, Baylor University)