Novel Sulfur and Phosphorus Heterocycles for Covalent Enzyme Modification
Chemistry-driven synthesis of novel S- and P-heterocycles, including sultams and cyclic phosphates, with potential applications as covalent modifiers of enzymes bearing nucleophilic warheads.
Overview
This offering centers on a chemistry-driven synthesis approach to producing novel sulfur (S) and phosphorus (P) heterocycles, with a particular focus on sultams and cyclic phosphates. These compound classes are of significant interest in medicinal chemistry and chemical biology because of their potential to act as covalent modifiers of enzymes that feature nucleophilic residues in their active sites. By targeting nucleophilic warheads, these heterocycles can serve as scaffolds for the development of enzyme inhibitors with potential applications in drug discovery and biochemical research.
Technical specifications
Key features:
- Synthesis of novel sultams, a class of sulfonamide-based heterocycles
- Synthesis of novel cyclic phosphates, phosphorus-containing ring structures
- Chemistry-driven synthetic methodology enabling access to new molecular scaffolds
- Compounds designed for covalent modification of enzymes with nucleophilic active-site residues
- Potential utility as enzyme inhibitors and biochemical probes
Technology readiness level
The compounds have been produced through a chemistry-driven synthesis approach at the University of Kansas. The research is at an early-to-intermediate stage, with initial synthesis achieved and the potential for covalent enzyme modification identified as the basis for further development and validation.
About University of Kansas
The University of Kansas is a comprehensive public research university with a multi-campus footprint centered in Lawrence and Kansas City, Kansas, combining broad academic depth with a strong applied-research culture. Industry engages through a research and technology park adjacent to campus that provides flexible lab and office space, with shared core facilities and streamlined contracting to speed sponsor work. Integration with a major academic health system and a medical center enables clinical partnerships and access to diverse patient populations. Proximity to the Kansas City metro connects partners to the region’s innovation ecosystem, while research is supported by funding from agencies such as NIH and NSF, and the technology transfer office manages IP, licensing, and startups.
delivered to your inbox.