Research Interests

The Science

I.) Pregnancy Associated Malaria

Malaria is responsible for staggering numbers of illness and death in developing countries. Pregnancy-associated malaria is a particular problem in that women who have natural antibodies built up against the malaria parasite become ill during pregnancy, and especially so during first pregnancies. The cause of this onset is the sequestering of malaria infected erythrocytes in the placenta, where a surface protein known as Plasmodium falciparum erythrocyte membrane protein (PfEMP1) binds to chondroitin sulfate A (CSA) molecules expressed on placental synciotrophoblast cells.

The objectives of this project are to design, synthesize, and evaluate CSA mimics in order to uncover the molecular nature of the CSA-PfEMP1 interaction. Compounds with high binding affinity could be potentially developed as a treatment for pregnancy-associated malaria. Synthetic inhibitors which bind to PfEMP1 with higher affinity than CSA will prohibit adhesion of infected erythrocytes to synciotrophoblasts, pushing them into the bloodstream where they can be acted upon by circulating antibodies.

The long-term goals of this project are not only to develop good CSA analogs, but to learn more about the tolerance of the protein binding site for non-CSA, and especially non-carbohydrate, compounds. Initial findings will be used to develop a pharmacophore upon which later synthetic CSA mimics can be based.

II.) Environmental Chemistry

An interest in sustainable living has encouraged a series of projects aimed at assessing potentially harmful chemicals in local produce and water supplies.

The Scientists

All science students are encouraged to speak with me regarding your interests. You may perform research for credit (1-2 credit hours per semester) or for a stipend (summer). The projects range from computational science to molecular biology.

Projects available:

Design: Molecular modeling of ligands using crystallographic protein data.
Synthesis: Utilize organic chemistry methodology to create novel ligands and to fluorescently label the native ligand.
Assay: Express and purify the protein binding domain.
Environmental: Use the tools of analytical chemistry to assess chemicals and metals in food and water.

Current Researchers

Corinne Gilmer Luke Cohen Justin Peterson

Lab Alumni

Laura Jane Bower (B.S. Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 2008) - currently a medical student at Mercer University School of Medicine

Blake Corcoran (B.S. Biomedical Engineering 2008) - currently in the workforce

Kevin Garrett (Early Acceptance to Pharmacy 2006) - currently a pharmacy student at Mercer University School of Pharmacy and Health Sciences

Brian Krieg (B.S. Chemistry 2007) - currently a doctoral student in chemistry at Pennsylvania State University

Erin Sosebee (B.S. Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 2008) - currently in the workforce with pharmacy school to follow.