Interdisciplinary Studies—Applied Mathematical and Computational Sciences is an interdisciplinary Ph.D. program where the mathematical skills of scholars are applied to significant scientific problems. More...
Medicinal and Natural Products Chemistry
UI graduate faculty research projects in Pharmacy in the Division of Medicinal and Natural Products Chemistry currently available to SROP scholars. This list does not represent all faculty interested in being mentors. Please check the Medicinal and Natural Products Chemistry faculty website for additional research interests.
Protein Modification by a Reactive Intermediate of Dopamine Metabolism: Implications for Neurodegenerative Disease and Drug of Abuse Neurotoxicity
| Principal Investigator |
Jon Doorn, Assistant Professor Department(s): Medicinal & Natural Products Chemistry,College of Pharmacy Interdisciplinary: Human Toxicology Program, Bioscience Program, Environmental Health Sciences Research Center, Center for Biocatalysis and Bioprocessing |
| Research Description |
In general, this research focuses on determining the role of an
endogenous neurotoxin, originating from metabolism of the
neurotransmitter dopamine, in neurotoxicity and neurodegenerative
disease. Objectives of the project include:
1. Develop better ways to synthesize reactive intermediates of interest. 2. Elucidate mechanisms for impairment of the dopamine metabolic pathway yielding aberrant levels of a toxic aldehyde intermediate. 4. Determine the functional consequence of protein adduction. |
| Undergraduate Role | The exact project will depend on the interests of the student but in general may include the following: protein chemistry (SDS-PAGE, Western blotting), mass spectrometry, synthesis and biosynthesis, metabolism studies. |
| Minimum Qualifications | Minimum requirements include some coursework in chemistry and biochemistry and a liking for good quality coffee. (The latter can be learned on the job). |
| Contact Information |
319-335-8834 jonathan-doorn@uiowa.edu Professor Jon Doorn |
Design, Synthesis, and Evaluation of New Antibiotics Against Drug-Resistant Bacteria
| Principal Investigator |
Robert Kerns, Associate Professor Department(s): Medicinal & Natural Products Chemistry College of Pharmacy |
| Research Description | In general, this research focuses on the design and synthesis of new antibiotics against antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Specific objectives are to design and synthesize quinolones that rapidly kill non-growing bacteria by promoting chromosomal fragmentation in antibiotic resistant and susceptible organisms. |
| Undergraduate Role | The undergraduate will focus on synthesizing novel quinolone-class antibiotics to be evaluated for anti-mutant activity and rapid lethality against M. tuberculosis. The undergraduate will learn techniques used in organic synthesis, and will learn how medicinal chemists interact with other scientists in the the design, synthesis and study of novel therapeutic agents. |
| Minimum Qualifications | General Chemistry, with having completed at least one semester of coursework in organic chemistry highly recommended. |
| Contact Information |
319-335-8800 robert-kerns@uiowa.edu Professor Robert Kerns |