The Lukesh Lab employs modern synthetic organic chemistry to create novel redox-active small molecules with unique and highly tunable biological properties. Guided by a broad interest in molecular design and its translational impact on biology and medicine, our group develops new chemical tools, therapeutic leads, and methods that illuminate and manipulate fundamental redox processes in living systems. Our current research efforts span three synergistic areas:
Chemical Biology: We develop new molecular probes, reporters, and stimuli-responsive donors to interrogate the chemical biology of reactive sulfur and selenium species (RSS/RSeS) in complex biological environments. These efforts focus on mechanistic elucidation, selective detection of fleeting entities, and the controlled delivery of species such as H2S, COS, persulfides, polysulfides, and emerging selenium analogues. Through synthetic organic chemistry and the development of novel chemical tools, we seek to define how these species function in redox signaling, stress responses, and disease-relevant pathways.
Medicinal Chemistry: We rationally design and synthesize novel chalcogen-containing scaffolds and redox-modulating small molecules with potential therapeutic applications. By leveraging the unique reactivity profiles of chalcogen species, our group aims to develop heteroatom-rich pharmacophores, next-generation redox-activated prodrug triggers, and stimuli-responsive donors with utility in cardioprotection, oncology, and other redox-related disorders. These projects integrate SAR analysis, mechanistic understanding, and collaborative biological testing.
Synthetic Methodology Development: We pursue new synthetic strategies that exploit the reactivity of organoselenium reagents, catalysts, and intermediates. A major emphasis is placed on C–C bond-forming reactions, chalcogen-enabled heterocycle synthesis, and scalable, selective routes to privileged scaffolds. Our methodology work not only enables access to molecules of biological interest but also expands the toolbox available to the broader synthetic community.
Training Philosophy: Students in the Lukesh Lab gain broad exposure to the chemistry–biology interface, developing skills in molecular design, reaction optimization, mechanistic analysis, redox biochemistry, probe and prodrug development, and biological evaluation. Our trainees work with a diverse set of chemical and biological approaches that prepare them for impactful careers in academia, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and related interdisciplinary fields.
We wish to thank the following agencies for supporting our work
