Curtis Allred and Dr. Merritt Andrus, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry

My project has been to synthesize smaller, simpler analogs of a molecule that is effective against renal cancer, called englerin-A. This is accomplished by computer aided modeling of simple analogs, synthesis of those models, and assays to determine activity. I am participating in this project in Dr. Andrus’ laboratory and under his direction. My main goal was to synthesize 2 of these analogs and assay them to determine relative activity. I have finished synthesizing the first analog, and confirmed by NMR. This was accomplished by using common organic synthesis techniques such as, running reactions, separations, TLC, column chromatography, NMR etc. There was not enough final product to run cell-based assays, so I scaled up the synthesis. I also worked toward optimization of reaction conditions to maximize yields. I oversaw someone synthesize the more expensive enantiomer while I started the second synthesis. Unfortunately I was unable to complete the synthesis of the second product. I did however train the person who is to take over the project. Because the products were not completely finished, I was also unable to test them for anti-cancer capabilities. This will also be done by the person that I trained.