Projects per year
Personal profile
Research interests
Synthesis of biologically active and functional peptide derivatives
We work on a range of projects involving both solution and solid phase peptide synthesis and the preparation of novel amino acid derivatives and peptidomimetics. This includes the synthesis of cyclic peptide natural products, novel peptides that can enhance the oral bioavailability of peptide therapeutics (collaboration with Prof. Randy Mrsny) and the development of peptide-based sensors for the measurement of intracellular heme levels (collaboration with Profs Sofia Pascu and Rex Tyrrell).
Peptide-targeted agents for photodynamic therapy and drug delivery
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a clinically approved approach for the treatment of various forms of cancer and pre-cancerous conditions. PDT uses light to destroy abnormal or diseased tissue after the administration of a light-activated photosensitising drug (a photosensitiser). In collaboration with Prof. Sandy MacRobert (University College London), we are interested in using peptide chemistry to tailor the properties of photosensitisers to enhance their cellular uptake, control their sub-cellular localisation, or provide selective targeting, both for PDT and light-triggered drug delivery via photochemical internalisation (PCI). We are also working on peptide-based prodrugs of 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA), which is a precursor of the natural porphyrin photosensitiser, protoporphyrin IX (PpIX), and is already widely used for clinical PDT.
Caged iron chelators as light-activated therapeutic agents
Exposure to UVA radiation from the sun is the principle risk factor associated with the onset of skin cancer. This can generate harmful free radicals and increased levels of redox-active labile iron that can induce severe damage to the skin. In collaboration with Dr Charareh Pourzand, we are developing novel Caged Iron Chelators (CICs) which are iron-trapping compounds that only become active in human skin cells when exposed to physiologically relevant doses of UVA. CICs could thus complement and enhance the protection afforded by current UV blocking agents in sunscreens and daily-use skincare products. They also have potential for the targeted therapy of various iron-dependent disorders, including cancer.
Willing to supervise doctoral students
I am happy to discuss PhD projects in medicinal chemistry and peptide chemistry
Expertise related to UN Sustainable Development Goals
In 2015, UN member states agreed to 17 global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all. This person’s work contributes towards the following SDG(s):
Keywords
- organic synthesis, peptide chemistry, medicinal chemistry, PDT
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Light-Activated Caged-Iron Chelator for Skin Photoprotection based on the Natural Product Pulcherrimic Acid
Pourzand, C., Chuck, C., Eggleston, I., Henk, D. & Scott, R.
Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council
1/09/15 → 30/06/16
Project: Research council
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Research output
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A peptide from the staphylococcal protein Efb binds P-selectin and inhibits the interaction of platelets with leukocytes
Wallis, S., Wolska, N., Englert, H., Posner, M., Upadhyay, A., Renne, T., Eggleston, I., Bagby, S. & Pula, G., 31 Mar 2022, In: Journal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis. 20, 3, p. 729-741 13 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Open AccessFile12 Downloads (Pure) -
Daylight-PDT: Everything Under The Sun
Beiki, D., Eggleston, I. M. & Pourzand, C., 30 Apr 2022, In: Biochemical Society Transactions. 50, 2, p. 975-985 11 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Review article › peer-review
Open Access -
Exploiting the UVA-induced iron release for improving the efficiency of indoor and outdoor photodynamic therapy of skin cancer
Beiki, D., Eggleston, I. & Pourzand, C., 2022.Research output: Contribution to conference › Abstract › peer-review
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Biofilm-specific uptake of a 4-pyridone-based iron chelator by Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Houshmandyar, S., Eggleston, I. & Bolhuis, A., 1 Apr 2021, In: Biometals. 34, p. 315-328 14 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Open Access1 Citation (SciVal) -
Peptide-targeted dendrimeric prodrugs of 5-aminolevulinic acid: A novel approach towards enhanced accumulation of protoporphyrin IX for photodynamic therapy
Tewari, K. M., Dondi, R., Yaghini, E., Pourzand, C., MacRobert, A. J. & Eggleston, I. M., 30 Apr 2021, In: Bioorganic Chemistry. 109, 104667.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Open AccessFile1 Citation (SciVal)6 Downloads (Pure)