Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry of Redox Processes Outwith the Mitochondria

Redox processes are fundamental to cell signalling and contribute to major pathologies such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, neurodegeneration and cancer. Much of the work in this area has focussed on the mitochondria, which are a major source of the reactive species that contribute to redox signalling. However, redox signalling occurs throughout the cell and is particularly influenced by NADPH oxidases. Other important processes such as disulfide bridge formation during protein folding in the endoplasmic reticulum are also believed to contribute to redox processes. This Chemical Biology project will involve the design and synthesis of novel probes and drug-like molecules to elucidate and control such processes. The research will provide a thorough training in the design and validation of small molecules that affect biological systems, and in the synthetic techniques of modern medicinal chemistry.