James Pickles

• MChem (Hon) Medicinal Chemistry
• Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of Nek2 kinase inhibitors as antitumour agents.

Members of a family of enzymes called kinases play a central role in the regulation and control of cell division. Abnormal kinase activity is a common feature of cancer. Nek2 is one such kinase that is over-expressed in e.g. breast, ovarian and colorectal cancers. There is evidence that inhibition of Nek2 activity produces an antitumour effect. Inhibitors of Nek2 are therefore of interest as potential antitumour agents. In this project we will exploit previous observations at Newcastle that guide the synthesis of new heterocyclic molecules that are expected to exhibit potent Nek2 inhibition.

Funding Source: Newcastle University