Optimization of novel antibacterials targeting the ATP synthase of difficult pathogens

The proposed research project aims to optimize novel antibiotics for difficult-to-treat bacterial infections, particularly those involving Staphylococcus aureus or Escherichia coli. Toward that end, three post-doctoral fellows will be recruited, two working on the synthesis of analogues of two classes of molecules in the lab of Pr E Marsault (Université de Sherbrooke), the third on the biological evaluation of such analogues in the lab of Pr F malouin (Université de Sherbrooke). The first class of molecules involve derivatives of a natural product, tomatidine, which has been identified as a promising lead molecule against persistent strains of S. aureus. The second class is a synthetic product identified via a recent screen. The ability to kill bacteria, the inhibition of the molecules’ target, the protein ATP synthase, and the toxicity of the molecules will be assessed, to ultimately deliver a lead candidate for subsequent preclinical evaluation.

Faculty Supervisor:

Eric Marsault;François Malouin;François Malouin;Eric Marsault

Student:

Partner:

Amorchem Therapeutics Inc

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Finance and Insurance; Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

Université de Sherbrooke

Program: