Synthesis of botulinum neurotoxin inhibitors
Advisor Information
James Hagen
Location
Dr. C.C. and Mabel L. Criss Library
Presentation Type
Poster
Start Date
6-3-2015 11:00 AM
End Date
6-3-2015 12:30 PM
Abstract
Botulinum neurotoxins (BoNTs) are one of the most powerful toxins known due to its extreme lethality to humans and other mammals. They act as metalloproteases by blocking nerve function and inhibiting the release of the neurotransmitter Acetylcholine into the synaptic cleft. This project aimed at synthesizing small inhibitor molecules that would reverse the effects of the toxin by either blocking the catalytic zinc in the active site or completely covering it. A series of a three-step reaction was used to manufacture the intended molecule and various organic chemistry methods were used as well. The product of the first step of the reaction was isolated, but the reductive amination reaction used in creating the second product is still ongoing. The third and final nucleophilic addition step is a well-known mechanism. Proton, Carbon and DEPT NMR were used to verify the accuracy of the synthesized compounds.
Synthesis of botulinum neurotoxin inhibitors
Dr. C.C. and Mabel L. Criss Library
Botulinum neurotoxins (BoNTs) are one of the most powerful toxins known due to its extreme lethality to humans and other mammals. They act as metalloproteases by blocking nerve function and inhibiting the release of the neurotransmitter Acetylcholine into the synaptic cleft. This project aimed at synthesizing small inhibitor molecules that would reverse the effects of the toxin by either blocking the catalytic zinc in the active site or completely covering it. A series of a three-step reaction was used to manufacture the intended molecule and various organic chemistry methods were used as well. The product of the first step of the reaction was isolated, but the reductive amination reaction used in creating the second product is still ongoing. The third and final nucleophilic addition step is a well-known mechanism. Proton, Carbon and DEPT NMR were used to verify the accuracy of the synthesized compounds.