Controlling Membrane Active Peptides
Membrane Active Peptides are a group of potential lead compounds that are well-known for their ability to disrupt cell membranes. Unfortunately, their nondiscriminatory membrane activity has caused most leads to be dead ends, resulting in extremely high toxicity. In this project we are developing peptides that will activate only in specific cellular environments. This will lead to "environmentally based targeting" and more useful drugs. Our current course of work has focused on redox- and photo-activated peptides for controlled activity
Lab Members Working on this project: Cristina Ventura, Charnette Frederic, Zena Karam
Synergistic Drug Interactions
Phospholipids are one of the most important components of the cell membrane. Microbes are often able to evade drug activity by dynamically changing their lipid composition using machinery called Lipid Flippases. The 3B Lab is looking to developing molecules that can interfere specifically with Flippase machinery to improve drug efficacy. This is a challenging and ambitious project but we believe that our unique blend of Chemistry, Microbiology, and Bio-engineering expertise make us well equipped to take on the task. To this end, we are creating novel co-Culture assays and studying peptides which interact with lipid flippases.
Lab Members Working on this project: Robert Tancer, Cristina Ventura
Using drug synergy to Target Candida auris
Candida auris is a multi-drug resistant fungi causing numerous problems in healthcare settings. The 3B lab is engaged in efforts to develop small molecules and materials that work in synergy to combat this foe. Current efforts include the development of redox-active peptides and surfaces to trigger cell death.
Lab Members currently working on this project: Akilah Mateen, Makayla Manfredi
References: NeverGerms