Ronald T. Raines, the Firmenich Professor of Chemistry at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, is the 2019 McNelis Distinguished Lecturer in Chemistry at NYU. His lecture, geared toward a general audience, is entitled, "Molecular Cloaks and Daggers: Expanding the Pharmacopeia." Coffee and light refreshments will be served prior to the lecture, from 10:30 a.m., in Silverstein Lounge, room 101 Silver. Hosted by Paramjit Arora.
For more information about Ronald Raines, click here.
Abstract: The lipid bilayer that encases human cells has evolved to keep the outside out, and the inside in. This barrier is not, however, impenetrable. Some small molecules, including drugs, can burrow through and manifest therapeutic activities. Others can be “cloaked” to endow membrane permeability, and then uncloaked inside cells. We have learned how to beneficially cloak proteins, which are typically 100-fold larger than small-molecule drugs. Specifically, the conversion of protein carboxyl groups into esters enables the protein to traverse the lipid bilayer. The nascent esters are substrates for endogenous enzymes that regenerate native proteins within cells. The ability to deliver native proteins directly into cells is opening a new frontier for medicine.
In addition to this named lecture, Ron Raines will deliver a seminar geared toward students on Thursday, April 25, at 4:00 p.m. in room 1003 Silver, entitled, "The Not-So-Lonely Lone Pairs of the Peptide Bond Oxygen."