Selective delivery of small molecules to the mitochondria of particular cells

A key aim in Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry is to control mitochondrial function. There are already ways to selectively deliver drugs and molecular probes to mitochondria. However, a significant challenge remains. Often diseases involve problems in specific types of cell, tissues or regions of the body.

The aim of this project is to explore chemical approaches to localised delivery. It will involve modern synthetic chemistry, molecular probe and prodrug design, and chemical and biological validation of delivery. It will be underpinned by mechanistic organic chemistry combined with an understanding of physicochemical properties and mitochondrial biology. Overall, the research will provide a thorough training within the EPSRC priority area of Chemical Biology and Biological Chemistry.

The research will involve molecular design with consideration of reactivity and physicochemical properties, multi-step organic synthesis including the handling of moisture and air-sensitive compounds, chemical characterisation of new compounds (NMR, MS, IR, UV-Vis, fluorescence) and validation of probes in vitro, in isolated mitochondria and in cells.