Our research efforts cover a wide variety of topics from natural product synthesis, to synthetic methodology and their applications in biological and medicinal chemistry.

Specifically, we are currently interested in the following areas of research:

Synthesis of new methodology for the synthesis of spirocyclic compounds, particularly spirocyclic pyrans and spirocyclic piperidines. As part of this work, we are interested in developing new approaches to the synthesis of compounds such a polymaxenolide and pinnaic acid.

Development of new methodology for the synthesis of highly reactive intermediates. Our interests in this area lie in the design of new methodology for the synthesis of enamides and dienamide units, both of which have important use both in natural product synthesis and medicinal chemistry. This work is in collaboration with Dr. K. Saliba from the Australian National University.

Design and synthesis of anti-parasitic compounds. As part of this collaborative effort with Professor Bill Hunter from the University of Dundee, we have recently solved the first crystal structure of our desired protein with a synthetic ligand. We are currently expanding this work, and using the data obtained to generate better inhibitors. We are also working in collaboration with Professor Harry de Koenig on the development of novel anti-tryps therapies.

Design and synthesis of new small molecule compounds as regulators of protein-protein interactions. We have recently succeeded in generating a small molecule capable of mimicking the interactions between two large biomolecules. We are currently interested in expanding this work into the generation of a small molecule capable to selectively inhibit and/or promote the protein-protein interactions between macrobiomolecules. This work is in collaboration with Dr. David Norman, Professor Seth Schor and Dr. Ana Schor from the University of Dundee, and with Dr. Jennifer Potts from the University of York.

Natural product synthesis as a starting point for the generation of new drug and chemical genetic leads. As part of our efforts in this area, we are currently pursuing the total synthesis of potent natural products as TAK1 and PDK1 inhibitors. This work is in collaboration with Dr. Adrian Lapthorn from the University of Glasgow, and Professors Philip Cohen and Dario Alessi from the University of Dundee, and Professor Simon Mackay from the University of Strathclyde.

Synthesis of new phosphatase inhibitors. As part of this work, we are currently developing new approaches for the synthesis of new phosphatase inhibitors based on known natural products and rational drug design.

Synthesis of New Alzheimers Lead Compounds. Our interests in this area lie in the design of new methodology for the synthesis of natural products as Alzheimer treatment agents. This work is in collaboartion with Professor J. Pratt from PSYRing and Professor B. Morris from IBLS.