Our Research Focus
Our lab specializes in designing and synthesizing innovative peptides, antibody-drug conjugates, and peptide-drug conjugates for cancer imaging and therapy. We leverage expertise in multistep organic synthesis, chromatographic methods for purification, and characterization techniques such as NMR and mass spectrometry (LC-MS and MALDI-TOF). Our primary focus is developing novel methodologies for radiosynthesis to generate molecularly targeted small molecules and peptide-based radiopharmaceuticals utilizing radionuclides (18F, 64Cu, 68Ga, 177Lu, 225Ac) for cancer imaging and therapy.
Key Research Areas
🎯 Targeted Radiopharmaceutical Development
- EphA2-targeted theranostics for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and neuroendocrine tumors
- CD38-targeted PET agents for multiple myeloma pharmacodynamic monitoring
- Nectin-4 PET radiotracers for optimizing Enfortumab Vedotin therapy in urothelial carcinoma
- PD-L1 imaging agents for cancer immunotherapy monitoring
🧪 Radiochemistry Innovation
- Development of 18F chemistry for late-stage peptide labeling
- Novel radiometal chelation strategies for targeted alpha therapy
- Bioorthogonal click chemistry for site-specific radiolabeling
- Creation of 18F-radiometal theranostic pairs (Patent pending)
🏥 Cancer Applications
- Ovarian Cancer: EphA2-binding radiotherapeutics (HERA Foundation funded)
- Pancreatic Cancer: Alpha particle theranostics for PDAC treatment
- Multiple Myeloma: CD38-specific PET imaging for treatment monitoring
- Neuroendocrine Tumors: EphA2-targeted molecular radiotheranostics (ERF/NETRF funded)
- Colorectal Cancer: Albumin-bound EphA2-targeted radiotherapeutics
- Bladder Cancer: Nectin-4 targeted imaging for personalized therapy
⚗️ Chemical Biology & ROS Research
- Photocontrolled ROS generation for antimicrobial applications
- Visible-light triggered H2S release for therapeutic applications
- Redox-guided antimycobacterial agents for tuberculosis treatment
- Peroxynitrite-based probes for studying bacterial redox homeostasis
Techniques & Methodologies
🔬 Synthetic Chemistry
- Multi-step organic synthesis of small molecules
- Solid-phase peptide synthesis (linear and cyclic peptides)
- Peptide-drug conjugate development
- Antibody-drug conjugate synthesis
- Prosthetic group design and linker optimization
📊 Analytical Characterization
- High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC)
- Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy
- Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS, MALDI-TOF, HRMS)
- Column chromatography purification
- IR and CHNS elemental analysis
☢️ Radiochemistry
- Radiosynthesis with 18F, 64Cu, 68Ga, 177Lu, 225Ac
- Novel 18F labeling methodologies
- Radiometal chelation and complexation
- Quality control and radiochemical purity assessment
- Specific activity optimization
🧬 Biological Evaluation
- Cell culture with primary and cancer cell lines
- In vitro binding affinity and specificity assays
- Cellular uptake and internalization studies
- Cytotoxicity and therapeutic efficacy assessment
- Reactive species detection and quantification
🖼️ Imaging & In Vivo Studies
- PET/CT and PET/MR imaging
- Small animal tumor xenograft models
- Biodistribution and pharmacokinetic studies
- Image analysis using Amira, Amide, and PMOD software
- Ex vivo autoradiography and histological analysis
🔍 Specialized Techniques
- Nitric oxide detection using Sievers 280i analyzer
- UV-visible spectroscopy and fluorometry
- Light irradiation techniques for photoactivation
- Fluorescence microscopy (EVOS™ FL auto imaging system)
- Varioskan optical measurements
Current Funded Projects
EphA2-Targeted Radiotheranostics for Neuroendocrine Tumors
Funding: ERF/NETRF Nuclear Medicine Pilot Research Grant ($100,000, 2024-2026)
Developing novel EphA2-targeted molecular radiotheranostics for lung neuroendocrine tumors, combining diagnostic imaging with targeted radiotherapy.
EphA2-Binding Radiotherapeutic for Ovarian Cancer
Funding: HERA Ovarian Cancer Foundation Outside-the-Box Grant ($30,000, 2024-2025)
Creating innovative radiotherapeutic agents specifically targeting EphA2 receptors overexpressed in ovarian cancer for precision treatment.
Albumin-Bound EphA2-Targeted Radiotherapeutics for Colorectal Cancer
Funding: Johns Hopkins Colorectal Cancer Research Center Pilot Award ($50,000, 2024-2025)
Developing albumin-bound delivery systems for EphA2-targeted molecular radiotherapeutics to enhance treatment efficacy in colorectal cancer.
Research Philosophy
Our research is driven by the vision of advancing precision medicine through innovative radiopharmaceutical development. We bridge the gap between chemical innovation and biological impact, focusing on translational applications that can directly benefit cancer patients. Our multidisciplinary approach combines cutting-edge chemistry, advanced imaging technologies, and rigorous biological validation to develop next-generation theranostic agents.
We are committed to mentoring the next generation of scientists and fostering collaborative relationships across disciplines. Our motto, "Chase curiosity, create impact," reflects our dedication to pursuing fundamental scientific questions while maintaining a clear focus on clinical translation and patient benefit.