Research
Antibacterial agent discovery
Our research aims to study bacterial transcription as an essential biological process, but underutilized target for antibiotic discovery. We intent to study the function and structural information of proteins involved in transcription which are essential for bacterial viability. The inhibition of these crucial protein-protein interactions is expected to generate new classes of antibiotic drug candidates suppressing bacterial resistance to antibiotics.
Antiviral agent discovery
We aim to develop new antiviral agents against influenza virus. One of the approaches is of probing the 150-cavity which is nascent to the activity site of neuraminidase (NA) . Based on the crystal structure of NA and combination principle of drug design, we have designed, synthesized and evaluated N-substituted oseltamivir derivatives。
Anticancer agent discovery
We adapt structure-based drug design and in silico screen to identify anticancer agents with novel mode of actions. By collaboration with cancer biologists, we have identified multiple drug-like small molecules capable of binding to several unprecedented protein targets to express inhibitory activity to cancer cell growth.
Organic methodology development
Natural products, bioactive compounds and drugs contain some common structures or scaffolds. We are interested in developing useful synthetic methods for preparation of these structures.
