Chemistry

Kinetics of Heptosyltransferase I and Identification of Potential Inhibitors

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Abstract: Lipopolysaccharides are an essential component of the membrane of gram-negative bacteria, which cause a multitude of diseases such as cholera and influenza. Inhibiting lipopolysaccharide production by targeting a key enzyme in its synthetic pathway, Heptosyltransferase I, has been shown to increase bacterial susceptibility to antibiotics. Previously in the Taylor lab, 419 compounds were computationally … Read more

The Conversion of Hemiacetals into Antiviral and Anticancer Compounds

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Abstract: There is a demonstrated need for drugs targeting diseases, such as the flu, polio, and hepatitis A, caused by the Picornaviridae family. It has been established that natural and synthetic benzofuran derivatives have effective antimicrobial, antitumor, and analgesic activities. Namely, benzo[b]indeno[2,1-d]furanone, a benzofuran, exhibits effective inhibition against picornavirus at nanomolar concentrations and also has … Read more

Isolation of Nucleic Acid Copuritant from Putative tRNA-Modifying Enzymes

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Abstract: Transfer RNAs (tRNAs) are essential adapter molecules of protein synthesis, mediating the translation of the genetic codes into amino acid sequences. To be fully active, tRNAs undergo an extensive range of post-transcriptional modifications that not only maintain the molecule’s structural stability but also ensure translational competency and promote cellular viability, especially in response to … Read more

Phytohormone Pathway Crosstalk and the Relationship Between Defoliating Herbivores and Phloem-Feeding Insects on White Oak Trees

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Abstract: Ecosystems are full of complex interactions between species ranging from direct, such as an insect consuming a leaf, to indirect, like the indirect interactions between two insects that share the same food source. One of these many interactions is the relationship of defoliating herbivores and phloem-feeding insects. Phloem-feeding insects trigger a defensive response in … Read more

Progress Toward Synthesis of Contorted Covalent Organic Polygons

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Abstract: Light emitting carbon-based materials are in high demand due to their highly variable uses from environmental toxicity monitors to biomedical probes. Aggregation induced emitting luminogens (AIEs) are a new and exciting type of material being developed. AIEs do not fluoresce as single molecules or in low concentrations, but when many come together in high … Read more

Progress Towards Phenazine Aggregation Induced Emitters

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Abstract: Compared to inorganic complexes, organic molecules are not well known for their colorful or fluorescent properties; but a relatively recent branch of organic chemistry is devoted to exploring organic luminogens. Most highly conjugated organic molecules absorb and reemit visible light when in solution. Many of these molecules are also flat and favored to stack … Read more

Synthesis and Characterization of Pyridine and Pyrazine-Derived Tripodal Ligands for Use in Novel Mn(II)-Based MRI Contrast Agents

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Abstract: Molecular resonance imaging (MRI) is a powerful technique used for visualizing structures inside the body. In approximately 40% of MRI scans, a contrast agent is utilized to improve the definition of soft tissues in the scan. After injection into the bloodstream, contrast agents can increase the visibility of blood vessels, tumors, and areas of … Read more