Anti-infective drug discovery through a multi-disciplinary approach

Project: Research - Studentship

Project Details

Description

Through exceptionally strong research collaborations at the interface of chemistry, biology, and medicine, we have applied innovative thinking to the field of (Minor Groove Binders) MGBs to develop a novel platform for drug discovery with the potential to treat an impressive range of diseases, including bacterial, fungal, parasitic, and viral infections. This platform, the Strathclyde Minor Groove Binders (S-MGBs) has evolved from the first discovered MGB, distamycin, and we can design novel compounds with tailored activities through a detailed understanding of DNA binding, sequence selectivity, and physicochemical characteristics. Recently, researchers at the University of Strathclyde, including the Scott research group, have begun to significantly expand the therapeutic potential of the S-MGB drug discovery platform. Specifically, efforts have resulted in the selection of lead compounds for the treatment of: Animal African Trypanosomiasis with the University of Glasgow, the University of Edinburgh and GALVmed; Human African Trypanosomiasis and Malaria with Griffith University; Tuberculosis with University of Cape Town; Cryptococus neoformas and Candida auris with University of Manchester; and a variety of cancers with the Universities of Huddersfield and Strathclyde . In this project, the PhD candidate will have the opportunity to engage in our drug design programme, specifically relating to analysing the interaction of S-MGBs with DNA. This will include training in standard and state-of-the-art organic chemistry and characterisation techniques (NMR, Mass Spec, IR etc.). However, there will also be an emphasis on biomolecular NMR spectroscopy.
Short titleAnti-infective drug discovery
StatusFinished
Effective start/end date1/02/221/02/25

UN Sustainable Development Goals

In 2015, UN member states agreed to 17 global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all. This project contributes towards the following SDG(s):

  • SDG 3 - Good Health and Well-being

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