Our lab’s research interests mainly lie in developing and applying small-molecule chemical tools to elucidate fundamental mechanisms of human diseases and explore new therapeutic strategies. Both endogenous and exogenous metabolites, encompassing a broad range of small molecules from reactive species to fatty acids and hormones, have critical roles at all levels of biological complexity by affecting or regulating key physiological pathways. Abnormal metabolism of these active molecules has also been linked to a variety of human diseases. To elucidate the mechanisms involved in disease conditions, such as cancer, neurodegeneration and microbial infections, we are developing robust small-molecule chemical tools to

(i) image key reactive metabolites,

(ii) globally profile the biochemical targets of metabolites, and

(iii) study the biological functions of metabolite-targets in mammalian cells.

A better understanding of the pathophysiological functions of key metabolites will enable the identification of novel therapeutic targets and ultimately promote the development of new therapeutic drugs and strategies.

We employ multidisciplinary techniques from organic synthesis, biochemistry, cell biology, and cutting-edge proteomics to approach these important biological questions.