MBExC Lecture

Prof. Dr. Manfred Jung from the Chemical Epigenetics Group, Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences at the Albert-Ludwigs University Freiburg will talk about “Chemical epigenetics – probing bookmarks in the book of life”.

Abstract
Our research focus is `Chemical Epigenetics´ and deals with the development and application of chemical and biochemical tools to dissect biological pathways, to validate therapeutic targets and to discover and optimize potential drugs addressing a wide range of epigenetic targets. In this talk two targets are presented: NAD-dependent protein deacetylases (sirtuins) and the Lysine specific demethylase 1 (LSD1). We have developed a wide range of biochemical and biophysical assays for these targets which have identified new hits. These were subsequently optimized in a structure-guided fashion for potency and selectivity and were converted into functionalized tools for chemical biology. E.g., we have developed a fluorescent Sirt2 inhibitor for target engagement studies and a proteolysis targeted chimera (PROTAC) based on thalidomide and Sirt2 inhibitors from the SirReal class.

Host: Dr. Nadja A. Simeth

Location: Lecture hall MN27, Tammannstr. 4, 37077 Göttingen (Nordcampus)

Poster of the talk