Synthesis of Novel High Affinity Sex Hormone-binding globulin competitive inhibitors

Sex Hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) is a plasma protein that controls access of sex steroids, testosterone and estrogen, to their target tissues. Plasma SHBG achieves this by binding sex steroids and controlling their ability to freely enter cells. The disruption of this control is focus of this research project. I aim to synthesis a series of novel organic compounds based on our previously characterized crystal structures of non-steroidal lead compounds that inhibit SHBG steroid binding. It is predicted that these compounds will have an enhanced ability to inhibit the binding of sex steroids to SHBG, and greater potential to accentuate their biological activities. It is anticipated that these novel compounds will be useful in increasing the exposure of tissues to endogenous steroids providing a novel approach to hormone replacement therapy without the negative side effects of exogenous steroid administration.

Faculty Supervisor:

Geoffrey Hammond

Student:

Partner:

University of Helsinki

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Education

University:

The University of British Columbia

Program: