The Synthesis and Optimization of a Sphingosine Kinase Inhibitor with Improved Hydrophilicity
Poster Number
040
College
College of Arts and Sciences
Department
Chemistry, Physics, Geology, & the Environment
Abstract
Cancer is a widespread disease that affects millions of people. There are many ways to treat cancer, including development of new cancer drugs by the targeting of a specific pathway. In this study, we target the ceramide/sphigosine-1-phosphate (S1P) pathway, which produces high levels of S1P in many types of cancer. We are developing a new drug to target the enzyme that makes S1P, sphingosine kinase (SK), by using the scaffold of a previously developed inhibitor, SKI-I. SKI-I has very low water solubility and therefore cannot be absorbed well in the body. To improve the use of SKI-I as a cancer drug, we are working on improving its solubility through modifications to the molecule. The modified compounds are then tested in an activity assay to asses their effectiveness. The most effective modifications will be combined into one improved compound.
Honors Thesis Committee
Christian Grattan, Ph.D.; Fatima Amir, Ph.D.; and Jason Hurlbert, Ph.D.
Course Assignment
CHEM 551, 552H – Hanna
Start Date
12-4-2019 2:15 PM
End Date
April 2019
The Synthesis and Optimization of a Sphingosine Kinase Inhibitor with Improved Hydrophilicity
Richardson Ballroom – DiGiorgio Campus Center
Cancer is a widespread disease that affects millions of people. There are many ways to treat cancer, including development of new cancer drugs by the targeting of a specific pathway. In this study, we target the ceramide/sphigosine-1-phosphate (S1P) pathway, which produces high levels of S1P in many types of cancer. We are developing a new drug to target the enzyme that makes S1P, sphingosine kinase (SK), by using the scaffold of a previously developed inhibitor, SKI-I. SKI-I has very low water solubility and therefore cannot be absorbed well in the body. To improve the use of SKI-I as a cancer drug, we are working on improving its solubility through modifications to the molecule. The modified compounds are then tested in an activity assay to asses their effectiveness. The most effective modifications will be combined into one improved compound.