Core Research Areas of the Program

Chemical Synthesis for Lead selection

    The emphasis is on the development of novel synthetic methodologies with broad applications to medicinal chemistry.This is explored through target-oriented (natural products as leads) and diversity-oriented (building combinatorial libraries) synthesis.

Rational Design and Lead Optimization

   Structure-based and pharmacophore-based design approaches are employed for lead optimization. Structure-based approaches require physical (X-ray, NMR) and in silico (molecular modeling) determinations. The more widely employed pharmacophore-based approach utilizes conventional structural modifications for optimization. These approaches are employed in tandem.

Biological Evaluation

    Proteomic approaches capable of high throughput identification and characterization of enzymes are investigated with the aim of developing "expression displays" that combine DNA microarray with protein display techniques.