1. Molecular Targets for Drugs & Diagnostics: Personalizing Healthcare
Distinguished Visiting Speakers:
The Institute for Molecular Diversity & Drug Design (IMD3) 14th Annual Symposium
Molecular Targets for Drugs & Diagnostics:
Personalizing Healthcare
Hank Wagner Conference Center at Jewish Hospital & St. Mary’s Healthcare
Tuesday, March 13, :00 AM – 2:00 PM
Brian Blagg – Distinguished investigator & Professor, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Kansas, Brian is the new Senior Editor of the highly regarded Journal of Medicinal Chemistry. After comprehensive training at the University of Utah and as an NIH Fellow with Professor Dale Boger at the Scripps Research Institute, he established a multi-talented translational research program at KU focusing on the dynamics and roles of molecular chaperones, notably Hsp90. His laboratory is internationally regarded for investigations of synthesis and structure-function relationships of novel inhibitors that provide a combinatorial attack on multiple pathways. Dr. Blagg received the notable Robertson Award in Medicinal Chemistry from the ACS among the many on his CV. His original research, patents and other celebrated contributions have established Brian as a celebrated leader in his field.
Gregory Tsongalis – Certified as a high complexity Clinical Laboratory Director, Greg is Director of Molecular Pathology, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center. Dr. Tsongalis is a widely regarded for novel applications of molecular diagnostics for genetic, hematologic, infectious, and neoplastic diseases. His research interests include pathogenesis of solid tumors, SNP genotyping and personalized medicine. Noteworthy among his many accomplishments, Greg has authored/edited eight textbooks in molecular pathology. A recipient of many prestigious awards, he serves on leadership committees of the AACC, ASIP, and AMP where he is a past President. Greg’s distinguished appointments include editorial boards of high impact journals, e.g., Clinical Chemistry & Archives of Clinical Pathology, and various corporate scientific advisory boards.
8:30 am Poster Setup & Continental Breakfast
9:00 am Welcome: James L. Wittliff, Director IMD3
Chair: G.B. Hammond, Professor of Chemistry
9:15 am Regulating Clot Architecture:  Investigating Some Players
in Blood Coagulation
Muriel C. Maurer, Professor of Chemistry, University of Louisville
9:40 am Development of Natural Products into Lead Compounds
for Drug Discovery
Brian S. J. Blagg, Professor of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Kansas
10:30 am Break & Poster Viewing
Chair: Albert R. Cunningham, Associate Professor of Medicine
11:10 am A Systems Approach to Salivary Gland Differentiation
Douglas S. Darling, Professor of Oral Health & Rehabilitation
University of Louisville
11:35 pm The Elusive Cancer Cell: How Personal Can We Get Gregory J. Tsongalis, Director of Molecular Pathology
Dartmouth Medical School
12:25 pm Closing Remarks & Poster Winners
K. Grant Taylor, Doug Borchman & Jackie Spatola
12:30 pm Reception & Poster Viewing
Featured Speakers from the IMD3:
Muriel Maurer – Muriel received a Ph.D. in Chemistry, the University of Virginia and post-doctoral training at Cornell University. She joined Chemistry at the University of Louisville in 1997 and was promoted to Professor in Recently, Dr. Maurer was an Honorary Senior Research Fellow, University of Leeds, Institute of Genetics, Health & Therapeutics. Her talented research group uses kinetic, NMR and mass spectrometry to examine biochemical and structural features of Factor XIII and thrombin. These exciting studies are progressing toward design of novel therapeutics to control cardiovascular disease, promote wound healing, and/or hinder cancer progression.
Douglas Darling – After receiving a Ph. D., University of Washington, Doug’s training at the University of Chicago and Harvard University focused on regulation of transcription by nuclear receptors, including cloning members of the thyroid hormone receptor family. Currently, his laboratory has investigated Zeb1 (Zfhep, Zfhx1a) transcription factor which is important in embryonic development of the eye and palate, as well as in metastasis of cancer. His widely regarded studies of salivary gland development focus on defining transcription factors and miRNA pathways that drive acinar cell differentiation, as well as defining molecular mechanisms of regulated secretion.
Contact Dr. Sarah Andres to register (no fee required).