The Wyatt Lab
THE ANTIBIOTIC CYTOSPORONE E
Justin K. Wyatt
Ph.D., UC Davis, 2000
Assistant Professor of Chemistry & Biochemistry
Chemistry & Biochemistry
College of Charleston
66 George Street
Charleston, SC 29424
Office: Rita Liddy Hollings Science Center, Rm 321
Email: wyattj@cofc.edu
Phone: 843-953-6587
Fax: 843-953-1404
Dr. Wyatt begins a sabattical in the Fall of 2007. His research in Australia will be supported by an NIH Fellowship. See the project summary and details in the anouncements section.
The research of Dr. Justin K. Wyatt is focused on conducting structure activity relationship (SAR) studies based on a novel antibiotic cytosporone E to determine the tolerance and functionality needed to increase the antibacterial activity of the parent cytosporone.
During the summer there are lab meetings once a week. Wyatt says "during this time we review papers (which were handed out earlier in the week) that are pertinent to the chemistry we are doing in the lab. I also have the students present their research to the rest of the group. This gives everyone the opportunity to learn about everything that is going on in the lab."
"As the mentor, I try to guide the student’s research and not do it for them: it becomes their project – not mine. They own the outcome of the project. For the most part the students really appreciate this over being told what to do from step to step."
Current Research
Wyatt intends to identify the chemical and steric requirements necessary to produce an antibiotic with the most potent biological action. He is also looking to further develop the chiral application of a methodology called the Meyers ortho-alkylation, which is utilized in the synthesis of cytosporone E. These two interrelated projects are designed so that the initial results will make the lab competitive for future NIH funding.
Ongoing efforts aim to:
- Begin structure activity relationship (SAR) studies to develop a more potent antibiotic by synthesizing new derivatives of the antibiotic cytosporone E.
- Develop an enantiomeric synthesis of the chiral cytosporones based further developing a methodology (Meyers ortho-alkylation) to control the enantioselectivity of antibiotic formation.
- Establish conditions for chiral integrity/racemization of these potentially labile secondary, benzylic lactones (related to bio-availability and potential use as medicinal agents)
Lab Students
Current and Past Lab Members (click photos to enlarge)
Dena Hodges (’07):
Dena has been working in the lab since the Summer of 2006. Her
main area of research has been to synthesize the common vinyl intermediate
of derivatives of a newly-discovered antibiotic, Cytosporone E, in order
to improve its medicinal potency. She plans to enter graduate school
for organic chemistry in the Fall of ’07. In November, 2006 she
attended the Southeastern Regional Meeting of the American Chemical Societywhere
she presented her research on the synthesis of this intermediate compound
using microwave techniques. She also has a paper in prep to be submitted
to Organic Letters.
Stefan M. Cooper, Jr. (’07):
Stefan "Coop" Cooper has been active in the lab since the Spring
of 2006. In addition to his research – microwave assisted vinylation
for the novel antibiotic Cytosporone E derivative, preparation of amine
derivative of Cytosporone E – hehelps maintain the lab and equipment.
He has a manuscript in prep, and made an oral presentation at the November
2006 SERMACS (Southeastern Regional Meeting of the American Chemical
Society). Having "aspired to be a scientist ever since grade school," Coop
plans to attend graduate school in the Fall of ’07 – or work
in industry for a year or two if he needs to reapply to graduate programs.
Megan Callanan (’07):
Meg is a senior Biochemistry major who has worked in the Wyatt lab since
May of 2006. She has presented her work on the synthesis of a common
vinyl intermediate for cytosporone E at the CofC SURF poster session
and at the 2006 SERMACS. Dr. Wyatt taught her 7:30 a.m. organic lab
and "never failed to amaze" her with his energy at "such
an awful time in the morning." She liked the lab abd decided to
pursue research focusing on organic chemistry.
Greg Goschy (’08):
A chemistry major, Greg has been active in the Wyatt lab since June of
2006. He attended SERMACS where his research was presented at the poster
session. His current plan is to attend graduate school after graduating
from the CofC.
William M. King IV, "Mackie" (’08):
"Mackie" plans to attend the Pharmacy School at MUSC when he's
finished at the College of Charleston. He started working in the Wyatt
lab in 2006 and completed a poster for the November SERMACS. He's "fallen
in love" with organic chemistry, and appreciates that he gets to "play
a personal role in the project" rather than just follow directions.
Kristie Cox (’07):
A senior majoring in biochemistry, Kristie would like to become a high
school chemistry teacher (and if she doesn't like that side of the
classroom, she'll apply to pharmacy or medical school.) Her research
involves the synthesis of a folic acid derivative, and while not yet
ready for publication, she enjoys discussing her work in lab meetings,
with her mentor and collaborators.
Elizabeth Flynn (’08):
A chemistry major, after graduation Elizabeth thinks she'd like to go
on to grad school
– maybe pursuing her interest in food chemistry. This Fall she's
been working on large-scale reactions for "The Synthesis of
Derivatives of Cytosporone E From a Common Vinyl." She like the camaraderie
of the lab group, and "knowing she's doing something that real-world chemists
do."
The Wyatt lab at the 2006 SERMACS convention.
