Stanford University
Showing 21-30 of 96 Results
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Steven M. Corsello
Assistant Professor of Medicine (Oncology) and, by courtesy, of Chemical and Systems Biology
Current Research and Scholarly InterestsOur laboratory operates at the intersection of functional genomics and chemical biology, with the goal of advancing novel molecular mechanisms of cancer inhibition to clinical use. We aim to 1) leverage phenotypic screening and functional genomics to determine novel anti-cancer mechanisms of small molecules, 2) develop new targeted therapy approaches against solid tumors, and 3) build a comprehensive community resource for drug repurposing discovery.
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Markus Covert
Shriram Chair of the Department of Bioengineering, Professor of Bioengineering and, by courtesy, of Chemical and Systems Biology
Current Research and Scholarly InterestsOur focus is on building computational models of complex biological processes, and using them to guide an experimental program. Such an approach leads to a relatively rapid identification and validation of previously unknown components and interactions. Biological systems of interest include metabolic, regulatory and signaling networks as well as cell-cell interactions. Current research involves the dynamic behavior of NF-kappaB, an important family of transcription factors.
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Stefania Demuro
Postdoctoral Scholar, Chemical and Systems Biology
BioStefania received her master’s degree in pharmaceutical chemistry from the University of Cagliari (Sardinia, Italy) and later moved to Philadelphia to conduct organic chemistry research at the University of Pennsylvania. Returning to Italy, she completed her Ph.D. in Medicinal Chemistry at the University of Bologna in collaboration with the Italian Institute of Technology, focusing on the development of first-in-class triple protein kinase inhibitors for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease and related tauopathies (Prof. Andrea Cavalli).
As part of her doctoral training, Stefania spent time at UC San Diego in Prof. Carlo Ballatore’s group, where she developed novel microtubule stabilizers for the treatment of tauopathies.
Drawn to the interconnection between chemistry and biology, and after applying her medicinal chemistry expertise to research in diabetes and neuropathic pain at Stanford ChEM-H, she joined the Chen Lab to investigate the role of ALDH1B1 in tumorigenesis and HIPK4 as a target for male contraception. -
Justin Du Bois
Henry Dreyfus Professor of Chemistry and Professor, by courtesy, of Chemical and Systems Biology
BioThe Du Bois lab is heavily invested in exploring voltage-gated ion channel function and physiology and the underlying role of specific channels in human pathologies, particularly nociception, epilepsy, and neurodevelopmental disorders. With expertise in chemical synthesis, we have access to a collection of exceptional natural products—tetrodotoxin, saxitoxin, gonyautoxin, batrachotoxin, veratridine, antillatoxin, to name a few—that act as selective modulators of sodium ion channels (NaVs). In addition, we have developed novel molecules as inhibitors and agonists of specific voltage-gated chloride (ClCs) and calcium (CaVs) channel isoforms. As a lab, we are uniquely positioned to advance high-precision chemical tools to interrogate underlying biochemical mechanisms of electrogenesis. Our work in this arena is guided by a number of questions related to the basic functioning of voltage-gated channels in neuronal cells and glia that include: 1) what is the rate at which channels are being made and degraded and is the rate of channel turnover context dependent (i.e., is protein turnover affected by increased neuronal activity, nerve cell damage, etc.); 2) to what extent is channel expression and cellular distribution affected by external factors (pH, inflammatory modulators, injury); 3) how do post-translational protein modifications influence channel function and how are such modifications altered in response to external factors; 4) how do neighboring glia influence channel expression and ion gating. Answers to these types of questions will provide a deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms by which neuronal cells and tissue respond to external stimuli, stress, and injury. We benefit from the strong interest of others in our work and multiple collaborators at Stanford and at other institutions.
Ion channel function and physiology. We wish to understand the role of individual subtypes of voltage-gated sodium, chloride, and calcium channels in neuronal signaling and how structural changes (i.e., point mutations, post-translational modifications, partner proteins) alter channel function. Our interests include the design, development, and application of chemogenetic technologies for targeting individual channel subtypes and allosteric modulators of select channel isoforms. Our work aims to inform efforts in translational research, as voltage-gated ion channel dysregulation and malfunction underlie a wide range of human diseases and disorders.
Natural products synthesis. We are interested in developing efficient and flexible synthetic routes to natural products that serve as ‘lead’ compounds for advancing high precision pharmacological tools. Most of the targets we are interested in obtaining are not available in sufficient quantities from natural sources, thus necessitating de novo preparation. To streamline the assembly process of these complex molecules, we are challenged to develop, in parallel, new tactics and chemical methods that facilitate C–C, C–N, and C–O bond formation.
Toxin ‘sponge’ proteins. A longstanding collaboration with the Minor lab at UCSF has focused on understanding how certain organisms that ingest dietary toxins such as saxitoxin, tetrodotoxin, and batrachotoxin survive their poisonous effects. This work has resulted in the elucidation of the structures of novel paralytic shellfish-binding proteins (so-called saxiphilins) and the toxin ‘binding code’. Studies are ongoing to integrate saxiphilins into a diagnostic device for measuring toxin concentrations in shellfish and to advance an engineered toxin-binding protein as a countermeasure for paralytic shellfish poisoning.
