February 7, 2006 STEW 322
Coffee at 3 pm

Kevan M. Shokat

Howard Hughes Medical Institute; Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, UC San Francisco; Department of Chemistry, UC Berkeley

New Chemical Approaches to Tracing Cell Signaling Cascades

Our laboratory focuses on the development of chemically based tools to decipher signal transduction pathways on a genome-wide scale. We have developed a method for producing small molecules that are specific for any protein kinase of interest in a signaling cascade by combining protein design with chemical synthesis. These highly specific inhibitors of individual kinases have revealed a number of new principles of signal transduction that have complemented genetic and biochemical studies of cell signaling. Examples where new pathways and new functions can be revealed by small molecule inhibitors of protein kinases will be highlighted. A second area of interest in our laboratory is studying lipid kinases including PI-3K family members. We have developed isoform selective inhibitors of multiple lipid kinases and through co-crystal structures with PI-3Kgamma we have developed a model for development of potent and selective small molecule PI-3Ks. Lastly, these pharmacological agents have been used to interrogate the insulin signaling pathway in muscle and fat cells. The logic and collaboration between different PI-3K isoforms in controlling both basal and insulin stimulated glucose uptake in these cell types will be discussed. Arthur Kelly, an alumnus of the University, established the Kelly fund at Purdue University in 1956.The Kelly Lecture Series brings outstanding scientists and engineers to the campus for lectures and discussions in the Department of Chemistry and the School of Chemical Engineering.

(Also sponsored by Department of Chemistry, MCMP, PULSE, and Purdue Cancer Center)