Honours Projects 2010
Dr Belinda Abbott
Design and Synthesis of Novel PDK1 Inhibitors
(In collaboration with Dr. David Wilson)The protein kinases PKB and S6K play a key role in regulating cell growth, development and survival. These enzymes are activated by 3-phosphoinositide dependent protein kinase (PDK1). The availability of a potent and specific PDK1 inhibitor would be invaluable for basic research in understanding the role of PDK1 in the mediation of cellular processes relevant to cancer and diabetes.
Work has begun on the development of a molecular modelling system, based on the crystal structure of PDK1 and staurosporine (shown), which could be used to design potential inhibitors of PDK1. The most promising compounds will be synthesised and tested.
