We are a lab that focuses on synthesis – from the synthesis of small molecules with biological activity, to the synthesis of large macromolecular assemblies that are borrowed from nature. By controlling the structure of molecules, we are deepening our understanding of fundamental biological chemistry. This underpins our translational two aims to develop: 1) first-in-class therapeutics for currently untargetable cancers, and 2) new-to-nature enzymatic systems for improving the efficiency of carbon fixation in plants.
Our lab routinely uses a diverse range of laboratory techniques. The foundations of our laboratory are in organic synthesis and solid-phase peptide chemistry, enriched by bio-inspired methods such as phage display and mRNA display. Our research also involves a significant amount of protein biochemistry, including a range of electron microscopy and light scattering techniques, as well as cell biology. We endeavour to provide our researchers with both depth and breadth of cutting-edge research training in chemical biology.
Our medicinal chemistry projects focus on developing the first inhibitors of protein targets that mediate the extension of telomeres in cancers such as osteosarcoma, via a pathway known as Alternative Lengthening of Telomeres. We have developed a pipeline of cyclic peptide display technologies, fragment-based discovery, and small molecule screening, leading to the discovery of novel inhibitors for hit-to-lead medicinal chemistry. These projects are conducted in collaboration with Prof. Hilda Pickett (Children’s Medical Research Institute), Assoc. Prof. Andrew Deans (St Vincent’s Institute of Medical Research), and our industry partner Tessellate Bio.
Our synthetic biology and protein engineering projects focus on the encapsulin family of proteins. These prokaryotic cage-forming proteins can encapsulate other proteins, hence are ideal candidates for stabilising biocatalytic enzymes and for delivering therapeutic payloads. Our flagship goal is to generate complete carbon-fixing systems in encapsulin cages that can boost photosynthesis in agricultural crops. These projects are conducted in collaboration with Prof. Tobias Giessen (University of Michigan) and Prof. Spencer Whitney (Australian National University).
For information about opportunities to work or collaborate with the Lau Group, please visit our website.
