Depsipeptides and cyclic peptides (Figure 1) are naturally occurring compounds that show a diverse range of potent biological activities.  Notable effects of these natural products include histone de-acetylase inhibitors (Azumamide, Trapoxin, and FK228), an agonists of the ryanodine receptor (Verticilide), cell adhesion inhibition (HUN-7293), and inhibition of inflammation (Salinamides), to name a few.  These natural products may be cyclic or linear compounds of varying ring sizes.  These ubiquitous and diverse natural products all share a basic feature; they are all comprised of peptide like subunits.  This feature makes the solution phase parallel and solid phase synthesis of a small library of these compounds facile. 

Examples of a cyclic peptide and a depsipeptide

Our research interests lie at the interface of Chemistry and Biology.
The primary focus is the synthesis and analysis of biologically active natural products.  Using the diverse classes of depsipeptides and cyclic peptides as a starting point, our focus will be on the production of peptide based monomers necessary for the construction of a series of natural products. Analysis of these natural products and SAR  will allow for the subsequent design of novel biological probes (affinity and labeling reagents).