Immunomodulatory compounds afford several research challenges. We use the total synthesis of immunologically active natural products to develop an understanding of the structures of these compounds and how they modulate the immune response. In the course of this research we are developing new stereoselective transformations including radical-mediated processes and alkylation methods.
Enzymes catalyze numerous biochemical transformations, often with astounding selectivity. We utilize cell free enzymes as catalysts for enantioselective synthesis. Our work currently focuses on using 4-hydroxy-2-ketoglutarate aldolase, a part of 4-hydroxyproline catabolism, as a catalyst for the preparation of chiral intermediates. By incorporating versatile functionality in the enzyme substrates, we set the stage for combined chemical and enzymatic syntheses of a variety of biologically and medicinally important structures.
Our projects in molecular recognition examine recognition in solution and on organic surfaces. In solution, we are modeling cellular ion transport by using switchable synthetic ionophores in an ion transport system. The molecular switches harness the energy required to move ions across a hydrophobic phase against a concentration gradient. For organic surface chemistry, our goals include fashioning surfaces for sequence specific recognition of DNA, synthetic cell membranes, and biocompatible materials. We are currently examining the parameters that influence the interaction of receptor and ligand at the solution-solid interface.
Last Revision: 08/23/95 // burns@chem.ucla.edu