Molecular Targets Program: Rapid Response to Pandemics
The Molecular Targets Program identifies ligands for any cloned and purified protein of therapeutic significance. We have developed native Magnetic Resonance Mass Spectrometry (MRMS) to fast track identification of compounds that can be used for therapy. As viruses contain very few proteins, this platform allows rapid response to viral pandemics. e.g. the discovery of anti-COVID19 anti-virals.
Primary supervisor: Prof Ronald J. Quinn, Dr Miaomiao Liu
Other supervisor: N/A
To apply: Contact Prof Ronald J. Quinn with your CV at r.quinn@griffith.edu.au
Decoding the Language of Nature: Artificial Intelligence
The project will address one of chemistry’s grand challenges: to find a function for every metabolite produced by Nature. Develop a method using artificial intelligence to predict the function of a compound produced by nature by looking at its chemical structure. Build a database of scaffolds embedded in bioactive natural products and correlate ligand-protein interactions.
Primary supervisor: Prof Ronald J. Quinn, Dr Miaomiao Liu
Other supervisor: Alan Wee-Chung Liew, Can Wang
To apply: Contact Prof Ronald J. Quinn with your CV at r.quinn@griffith.edu.au
Label-Free Target Identification
Developing a new therapeutic requires both a cellular (phenotype) activity and the identification of the molecular target. The exquisite sensitivity of mass spectrometry will be used to identify specific ligand-protein complexes in cell lysates. Bioactive compounds will be mixed with the proteome components to identify the protein target. A specific advantage is that it is label-free method.
Primary supervisor: Prof Ronald J. Quinn, Dr Miaomiao Liu
Other supervisor: N/A
To apply: Contact Prof Ronald J. Quinn with your CV at r.quinn@griffith.edu.au