Spotlight on Research – Janetka Lab
The Janetka Lab specializes in the rational design, chemical synthesis and drug development of small molecule therapeutics. Our group uses a combination of medicinal chemistry, chemical biology, and biochemistry to investigate and validate new therapeutic targets. We utilize computational tools to improve inhibitors based on X-ray structures followed by optimizing compounds for drug-like properties. We work closely with biology collaborators to evaluate compounds for their biological activity in vitro and efficacy in animal models of disease. The ultimate goal of our work is the clinical development of innovative drugs. The lab currently works on inhibitors of various enzymes, receptors, and lectins (carbohydrate binding proteins) as new treatments for viral, bacterial, and parasitic infections as well as anticancer therapeutics to prevent metastasis.
