Total Synthesis of an Anti-HIV Natural Product
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Oxford
Abstract
The production of libraries containing vast numbers of small molecules, in combination with high-throughput screening methods, has found much use in the search for new drugs. However, natural products remain important to the pharmaceutical and agrochemical industries as a source of biologically-active structures. In addition, they can assist in the identification of novel targets for further investigation. Synthetic organic chemistry is in a unique position to assist this pursuit through the synthesis and modification of natural products and their analogues.
In this proposal, we aim to synthesise a recently isolated natural product that has been shown to possess anti-HIV activity against strains resistant to currently used treatments. The key disconnection would use a small organic molecule as a catalyst to enable rapid and efficient construction of the complex molecular structure.
As part of the Synthesis for Biology and Medicine Doctoral Training Centre in Oxford, this project has numerous pharmaceutical and agrochemical industrial partners. This open-access system enables free exchange of ideas to assist the project.
In this proposal, we aim to synthesise a recently isolated natural product that has been shown to possess anti-HIV activity against strains resistant to currently used treatments. The key disconnection would use a small organic molecule as a catalyst to enable rapid and efficient construction of the complex molecular structure.
As part of the Synthesis for Biology and Medicine Doctoral Training Centre in Oxford, this project has numerous pharmaceutical and agrochemical industrial partners. This open-access system enables free exchange of ideas to assist the project.
Studentship Projects
| Project Reference | Relationship | Related To | Start | End | Student Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP/N509310/1 | 01/10/2015 | 30/03/2021 | |||
| 1688344 | Studentship | EP/N509310/1 | 01/10/2015 | 30/09/2019 | Sean Guggiari |
| Description | AZ mentorship |
| Organisation | AstraZeneca |
| Department | Research and Development AstraZeneca |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Private |
| PI Contribution | My contribution so far has been to undertake the practical side of the research. |
| Collaborator Contribution | The collaboration has so far been one of a mentorship capacity. The partner has provided intellectual input concerning the direction of research, offering an industrial perspective on the work undertaken. |
| Impact | No significant outcomes as yet. |
| Start Year | 2017 |
| Description | Lab tour 2017 |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | As part of the Oxford Open Doors festival, the chemistry department organised an event open to all members of the public. This commenced with a talk about the history of chemistry at Oxford, covering major innovations up to present day. I was involved after this, where I led a tour group of 12 people around several of the buildings that make up the department of chemistry. This included commentary on the history and development of the science in Oxford, demonstrations of research and its applicability to wider society, as well as discussions about the research currently being conducted. Those in my tour group comprised a wide range of backgrounds, including young children, professional scientists, and others with no science experience. Feedback on the event was overwhelmingly positive, with all respondents saying they would recommend the event to friends. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
| Description | Lab tour 2019 |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | As part of the Oxford Open Doors festival, the chemistry department, in collaboration with Cancer Research UK, organised an event open to all members of the public. This began with a talk from an academic at the department on some of his group's research and its potential applications to cancer treatment. Following this, I led two tours of around 10 people through the department. I provided commentary on a range of topics, from the history of the department, current research areas and their application to wider societal problems, and equipment commonly used in modern day organic chemistry. The participants in my tour groups came from a wide range of backgrounds, including young children, retired professional chemists, and others with little to no formal scientific experience. After the tours, I stayed at the reception to further chat and answer questions with the attendees. Feedback provided about the event was overwhelmingly positive. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |