Peptidomimetics as Chemical Probes of Protein-Protein Interactions

The overall goals of this project were to acquire new equipment for the purpose to improve the research capabilities of California State University, Fullerton CSUF and to strengthen student research abilities in scientific research in order to pursue STEM careers. This was accomplished by obtaining new equipment that was used for three research projects on the design and synthesis of peptidomimetics that will probe molecular interactions of proteins related to human heath and disease. These projects involved undergraduate students synthesizing novel molecules and studying their biological properties in additional to performing molecularmodeling. The equipment that was purchased and installed for undergraduate student research Liquid chromatographymass spectrometer, combiflash purification system, rotary evaporators, a plate reader, high throughput reagent dispenser and computers with computational modeling software. Students have been trained and become confident users of the equipment for routinely use in their research projects. The new equipment has improved both the pace and quality of research results, which has increased the number of students presenting their research at scientific conferences. This has been an added benefit to the new equipment as student presentations at conferences is a great opportunity for students to gain support for pursuing a STEM career. The equipment has enriched undergraduate student research activities and helped promote careers in undergraduate research.