One of the Lessene laboratory’s research focus is on small molecules to induce programmed-cell-death (apoptosis) in cancer cells (Lessene, Nat Rev Drug Discov 2008, 7:989; Lessene, Nature Chem Biol 2013, 9:390).
We develop these molecules for targeted therapeutic approach to improve their therapeutic index through two collaborative project arms: 1) Degraders: bifunctional molecules recruiting proteasome-mediated degradation of the pro-survival proteins. 2) Bioconjugates as brain shuttles: Delivering drugs (Moujalled, Cell Death Differentiation 2022, 29 (7):1355) across the blood-brain-barrier to tumour sites, leveraging differential metabolic enzyme expression in cancer cells for payload release.
Both programs are suitable for Masters/PhD candidates with synthetic chemistry and medicinal chemistry background and based at WEHI Bundoora campus. Candidates will develop expertise in medicinal chemistry, organic synthesis, peptide synthesis, bioconjugation, and chemical biology.
