Research Overview
Our interdisciplinary research program merges the fields of bioorganic chemistry, medicinal chemistry, organic chemistry, and radiochemistry with peptide chemistry at its core. Our research projects focus on developing new and improved peptide therapeutics. We have two main approaches to reaching these goals:
1. utilizing three-dimensional peptide architecture and controlled intermolecular interactions to overcome in vivo peptide permeability issues
2. synthesizing heterocycle-containind peptides for use an improved therapeutic peptides using streamlined solid phase peptide synthesis methods.
Peptide Nanotubes
Cyclic peptide nanotubes (cPNTs) are a bioorganic alternative to the carbon nanotube. They are composed of several medium-sized cyclic peptides that spontaneously stack in a "pancake-like" fashion into a nanotube architecture. This arrangement is entropically driven by several intermolecular hydrogen bonds. cPNTs have unique interactions with viral membranes by arranging vertically as artificial ion channels, or horizontally to disrupt membrane integrity and cause cell death. The Charron lab is focused on harnessing this cell membrane relationship for applications in drug delivery, and targeted cell death in mammalian diseased cells.
Heterocycle-Containing Peptides
Heterocycle-containing natural products represent a structurally diverse class of bioactive compounds featuring 5-membered rings that confer unique chemical and biological properties. The electron-rich nature of these heterocycles drives potent interactions with enzymes and receptors, underpinning a wide range of therapeutic activities. Heterocyclic peptides, many isolated from marine sources, remain understudied due to historically challenging and low-yielding synthetic routes. The Charron group is focused on developing streamlined, solid phase peptide synthesis methods for the preparation of oxazole-, oxazoline-, imidazole-, and thiazole-containing peptides, and on exploring their potential as novel peptide therapeutic agents.
Funding Sources
New Frontiers in Research Fund (NFRF)
