Designing a chemical 'toolbox' for the efficient inhibition of metalloenzymes

Metalloenzymes contain metal ions with their active sites and constitute one third of all currently known enzymes. Not only do they have a prominent biological role, but many are also important targets for therapeutic intervention in a variety of disease areas. This project will use a combination of structure-based molecular design, organic synthesis, and biological evaluation to identify new types of potent and selective inhibitors of these enzymes. Not only will these molecules represent potential new drug leads, but they will also provide important information as to the requirements for potent and selective inhibition of such systems.