Chemical Biology
Description
Ribbon diagram of the ternary complex of yeast Hst2 bound to an acetyllysine
histone H4 peptide (green) and a nonhydrolyzable NAD+ analog, carba-NAD+
(yellow), with bound Zn ion (red) Marmorstein Group
Chemical biology uses chemistry techniques to understand and manipulate
biological processes. For example, specific enzyme inhibitors are designed to
explore and impede cellular signaling pathways. Penn Chemistry has many
groups developing chemical methods to better understand biological systems,
often in collaboration with groups in other departments and in Penn's nearby
School of Medicine and School Engineering and Applied Sciences. Research
includes the synthesis of large libraries of biologically active molecules as
well as the rational design of high-affinity binders to proteins and nucleic
acids. The development of biocompatible photo-active compounds is an
additional area of interest.
Faculty
