In the field of chemical biology, synthetic molecules are applied to elucidate and regulate the function of biological systems. This course will outline important developments in this field and will provide specific examples of how Chemical Biology tools can contribute to and advance our understanding of different biological processes and improve our ability to treat diseases.
This course complements the course “Bioorganic Chemistry”. However, in this course a larger emphasis will be placed on understanding the current challenges in investigating and regulating a wide range of biological systems. Little emphasis will be placed on chemical synthesis and characterization techniques. The course does not require prior knowledge.
The Chemical Biology tools that will be covered include the following:
1) Unnatural amino acids, expanding the genetic code
2) Immune system modulators
3) Chemical inducers of dimerization (CIDs) – artificial signal transduction
4) Small-molecule-based proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs)
5) Chemical genetics
6) Covalent inhibitors – chemical biology-based drugs
7) High-throughput screening (HTS) of inhibitors
8) Activity-based protein profiling (ABPP) - identifying new therapeutic targets
9) Bacteria targeting and engineering
10) Chemical glycobiology
11) Enzymatic labeling of proteins
These chemical biology tools will be taught in the context of understanding various biological systems and processes, and in treating diseases.
The topics that will be covered include the following:
1) The immune system
2) Immune diseases and immunotherapy
3) The ubiquitin system
4) The neural system
5) Neurodegenerative diseases (e.g., Alzheimer’s)
6) Cancer detection and treatment
7) Signal transduction therapy of cancer
8) Pathogenic bacteria and quorum sensing
9) Viral infection and treatment
10) Protein imaging
11) Modifying biological drugs
Additional research areas may also be included