Leader: Roberto Gomes, PhD
Project Title: 

Dr. Gomes’ research is focused on the synthesis of small molecules to inhibit COPZ1 in COPZ2-deficient PDAC cells selectively. Dr. Gomes’ group aims to provide a small molecule-based prototype to selectively kill pancreatic tumor cells while keeping the normal cells alive. As a result, the Gomes’ group will provide for the first time a lead molecule capable of increasing the 5-year survival rate and reducing the side effects related to regular chemotherapy for patients that currently don’t have any hope or treatment against pancreatic tumors. Dr. Gomes’ uses molecular modeling, synthetic chemistry, and chemical biology (in vitro and in vivo) to achieve this aim.