The Development of Hsp90 Isoform-selective Inhibitors for the treatment of Cancer, Glaucoma, and other Diseases

The major goals of Professor Blagg Research Team are to design, synthesize, and evaluate novel inhibitors of the Hsp90 protein folding process. To achieve these goals, they use computer modeling to design new molecules that bind these ATP-binding sites, they develop new organic reactions that allow access to the desired compounds in a highly efficient manner, and finally they develop assays that are suitable for determining the biological effects of their rationally designed Hsp90 inhibitors. Hsp90 has emerged as a promising target for the development of anti-cancer, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, diabetic peripheral neuropathy, and Multiple Sclerosis agents.