A saga of secramine: A small molecule link between Cdc42 and protein trafficking

ORGN 352

Matthew D. Shair, shair@chemistry.harvard.edu, Department of Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Harvard University, 12 Oxford St., Cambridge, MA 02138
We discovered secramine, a small molecule inhibitor of protein trafficking by combining diversity-oriented synthesis and phenotypic live-cell screening. We have made progress toward identifying the cellular target and mechanism of secramine and it involves the Rho-GTPase Cdc42. This lecture will report the logic and results of how we have identified Cdc42 as involved with secramine's ability to block protein trafficking. I will also discuss 1. the utility of this small molecule to illuminate Cdc42 biology and 2. the potential for secramine as a small molecule lead for diseases that hinge upon Cdc42.
 

Earle B. Barnes Award for Leadership in Chemical Research Management
8:55 AM-12:00 PM, Tuesday, 15 March 2005 Convention Center -- Ballroom 20 C-D, Oral

Division of Organic Chemistry

The 229th ACS National Meeting, in San Diego, CA, March 13-17, 2005