"AApeptides: From Structure to Function"

Jianfeng Cai, PhD
Assistant Professor
Department of Chemistry
University of South Florida

The identification and development of sequence-specific peptidomimetics is of significance in bioorganic chemistry and chemical biology. A new class of peptidomimetics termed "AApeptides" was recently developed by our group. The synthesis of AApeptides can be conveniently achieved on the solid phase. Similar to other peptidomimetics, AApeptides are resistant to proteolytic degradation, and possess limitless potential to introduce chemically diverse functional groups. Moreover, they are able to fold into well-defined helical structures. The functions of AApeptides have also been recently explored. These include the rational design of AApeptides for the mimicry of the primary and secondary structure of bioactive peptides, as well as the development of one-bead-one-compound AApeptide combinatorial library for the identification of unnatural biomarkers or potential drug candidates.

Faculty host:  M.G. Finn, PhD