Topic: Synthesis of small molecules as novel enzyme capturing tools
The Chair of Bioanalytics invites applications for doing a MSc thesis research project on the synthesis of small molecule ligands for affinity purifying kinases.
Our group studies drug-target interactions particularly for kinases and their inhibitors using a chemical proteomics approach. We have recently developed an affinity tool called kinobeads (Bantscheff et al Nat Biotechnol 2007) that allows us to purify some 300 human and murine kinases from primary biological material. In conjunction with state-of-the-art mass spectrometry, we have been able to identify novel potent targets for existing drug molecules.

In order to expand the range of kinases that can be analysed by this approach, the current project involves the synthesis of a number of biologically active agents for use as affinity ligands. As a result of improving the kinobead technology, we aim to discover more systematically novel active compounds and secondary therapeutic targets of known drugs.

Skill set
The successful candidate should have experience in organic synthesis and modern analytical techniques. Hands-on experience in multistep heterocyclic chemistry would be a significant advantage. We require the ability to work in a multidisciplinary and team-work oriented environment.

Contacts details
Prof. Dr. Küster
kuster@wzw.tum.de
Dr. Christophe Cénac
christophe.cenac@tum.de
Lehrstuhl für Bioanalytik, An der Saatzucht 5, 85354 Freising-Weihenstephan
www.wzw.tum.de/bioanalytik/index.htm