New Mexico State University

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

B.A., Chemistry: Carleton College, 1999

Ph.D., Chemistry: University of California San Diego, 2004

Postdoctoral: University of Montreal, 2004-2006

 

Email: delvalle@nmsu.edu

Phone: (505) 646-1423

Office: CB215

 

Link to Group Homepage

 

Research in the Del Valle group lies at the interface of organic synthesis, biology, and medicinal chemistry. We have an interest in the role that constrained amino acids, amino acid surrogates, and peptidomimetic scaffolds play in the discovery of novel therapeutics. Within the area of cancer research, we are investigating the design and synthesis of non-peptide activators of cell apoptosis and peptidomimetic siderophores. Our targets are intended to mimic naturally-occurring bioactive peptide fragments. The identification of possible lead structures for synthesis is based on rational drug design -- structural analysis of the target protein, molecular modeling, and binding data are central to the refinement process. These structures will also serve as a platform for the development of efficient synthetic methodologies, allowing for rapid access to biologically relevant peptidomimetics.

Because nature is a rich source of novel "lead" structures in the search for more effective enzyme inhibitors, we also have a keen interest in the stereoselective synthesis of biologically active natural products. The development of novel, widely applicable synthetic methods is central to these efforts. Reactions of metal-stabilized carbenes and nitrenes have proven to be particularly effective tools for the preparation of functionalized medium-sized rings. Thus, we are exploring the construction of tert-alkylamino carbocycles and other complex polycyclic systems via N-H insertion reactions and [n+1] cycloadditions. Our aim is to develop catalytic tandem reaction processes that rapidly build up molecular complexity from simple starting materials.