We have recently developed novel beta turn mimics. See ‘Beta Turn Mimics by Chemical Ligation, Organic Letters, 2020, 22, 11, 4424–4428. These are installed through a chemical ligation procedure, allowing us to join together two protein fragments at the same time as installing the turn mimic. Doing this allows us to mimic the structural role of two amino acids in a protein structure using a completely non-natural unit. Mimics of this sort have potential as the basis of probe molecules to better understand how proteins fold and function, and therefore learn about biological systems. This project builds on this method, and will make use of the beta turn mimic to introduce a range of chemical functionalities, allowing us to generate new probe molecules for chemical biology. The beta turn mimic structure (as well as others currently in development within the lab) is based on an ortho-substituted benzene ring, and therefore presents multiple sites to allow the attachment of other chemical functionalities. This project will explore general methods for the attachment of reporter functionalities to these molecules. Targets include fluorescent groups, spin labels, reactive probes, and affinity tags. These will be used to produce modified versions of natural peptide/protein targets that contain novel functionality, but which retain the original overall structure and thus function. These molecules will be studied by various biophysical techniques, and will ultimately be used to understand the function of proteins in biological systems. This project spans various traditional disciplines and will therefore present excellent opportunities for training in skills across the chemistry-biology interface. Core skills learned in this project will be peptide chemistry and organic synthesis, as well as protein NMR and other biophysical methods. There will also be opportunities to learn molecular modelling and coding. We are happy to answer queries and discuss this project informally.
Eligibility: Applicants should have a good degree (2i or above) in Chemistry, and be highly motivated to carry out research at the chemistry/biology interface.
Formal applications should be submitted as described at:
https://www.gla.ac.uk/schools/chemistry/prospectivepostgraduates/postgraduateresearchopportunities/
It is the University of Glasgow’s mission to foster an inclusive climate, which ensures equality in our working, learning, research and teaching environment.
We strongly endorse the principles of Athena SWAN, including a supportive and flexible working environment, with commitment from all levels of the organisation in promoting gender equality.
As an Athena SWAN Bronze Award holder, the School of Chemistry has equality, diversity and inclusion at its heart, and actively supports applications from all sections of society.
More details of the School’s Athena SWAN activities can be found here:
https://www.gla.ac.uk/schools/chemistry/abouttheschool/athenaswan/
How to Apply: Please refer to the following website for details on how to apply:
http://www.gla.ac.uk/research/opportunities/howtoapplyforaresearchdegree/.
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