Infectious Diseases

Dr. Cheng’s laboratory aims to develop an interdisciplinary research program centered on Computer Aided Drug Design and Discovery. Closely collaborating with experimental chemists and biologists, our group utilizes a myriad of computational modeling & simulation, and data analytics techniques to understand molecular basis of drug action and to rationally design new drug molecules. Our group also has long-standing interests in: a) developing and applying multiscale computational techniques to investigate the structure, dynamics and function of complex biomolecular (and cellular ) systems; and b) bridge large-scale molecular simulation with systems biology (cellular metabolism and signaling networks) towards a new drug discovery paradigm.

The research in Dr. Fuchs' lab focuses on the design and preparation of bioactive molecules for therapeutic applications against cancer and infectious diseases. His lab utilizes fundamental chemical knowledge and synthetic methodology to facilitate the process of drug discovery and development through the generation of biological probe molecules, the synthesis and modification of lead compounds, and the optimization of drug properties. The overarching goals of these studies are to understand the mechanisms through which small molecules interact with proteins or other biomolecules in the context of disease progression and to improve the potential utility of promising new compounds to help them advance toward the clinic. Recently, the Fuchs lab has collaborated with numerous labs in the areas of natural product drug development for various cancers, the preparation of protein degraders active against leukemia, and HIV-1 capsid and integrase drug development.

My interdisciplinary research program is inspired by the metabolic diversity of microorganisms and the vast array of compounds they produce. Working at the interface of chemistry and biology, my group combines approaches in chemistry, biochemistry, bioinformatics, genetics, and systems biology to discover new natural products, identify bioactivity and mode of action, and to decipher the metabolic basis of their biosynthesis. Ultimately, we seek to translate insights gained from our investigations into solutions for modern day challenges facing human health and the environment. These include new antibiotics to counter drug-resistant pathogens, novel herbicides and biocontrol agents to improve pest management and food security, and engineered biocatalysts to facilitate chemical production by green chemistry and industrial biotechnology.

Dr. Kebriaei’s research is focused on treatment of multi-drug resistant bacterial infections. Some examples of the diseases associated with these infections include bacteremia, endocarditis, bone and joint infections and implant associated infections.

Her current work is concentrated on both planktonic and biofilm states of bacteria and novel approaches for combating multi-drug resistant infections. She utilizes various classes of antimicrobials with distinct mechanisms of action to discover optimal treatment options for a wide range of infectious diseases. In addition, she designs and operates pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic models to simulate humanized doses in vitro. The majority of knowledge achieved from this research is translatable to bedside and leads to better patient outcomes.

Dr. Li’s research interest focuses on the design, syntheses and studies of small molecules for cancers and infectious diseases. In the cancer area, our group focus on prostate and pancreatic cancer. Novel molecules are developed using the strategies of drug repurposing and structure-based drug design (in collaboration with Dr. Xiaolin Cheng). In the research of infectious disease, our focus is on the development of small molecules for the treatment of COVID-19. Novel molecules are generated through computational chemistry, molecular modeling and virtual screening targeting the interface of spike protein and human ACE-2 receptor.

Dr. Mitton-Fry’s research team is dedicated to inventing cures for multidrug-resistant bacterial infections. The lab uses the tools of synthetic medicinal chemistry to design and prepare innovative new molecules, and we collaborate broadly to evaluate their biological, pharmaceutical, and toxicological properties. Dr. Mitton-Fry also enjoys teaching students at all levels about antibacterial therapies.

Parasitic diseases have a devastating effect on public health in developing areas of the world. Research in Karl Werbovetz’s group focuses on the discovery and development of new drug candidates against the protozoan parasitic diseases leishmaniasis, trypanosomiasis, and malaria, with most of our recent efforts concentrating on visceral leishmaniasis (VL) and human African trypanosomiasis (HAT).

Dr. Yalowich’s lab focuses on mechanisms of action and resistance to a class of anticancer agents known as DNA topoisomerase IIα (TOP2α; 170 kDa ) inhibitors, such as the anticancer agent etoposide. Ongoing projects characterize alternative RNA processing/intronic polyadenylation of TOP2α pre-mRNA that results in formation of a 90 kDa truncated form of TOP2α in acquired resistance to etoposide. Strategies to circumvent drug resistance involve CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing to restore proper RNA splicing function in resistant cells. In addition, the role of micro-RNAs as determinants of anticancer drug resistance is under investigation. Finally, the Yalowich lab actively collaborates with Dr. Mark-Mitton-Fry from the Division of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy to evaluate the mechanisms of action and efficacy of newly synthesized Novel Bacterial Topoisomerase Inhibitors (NBTIs).