B.S. Chemistry (1999) University of Puerto Rico
Ph.D. Inorganic Chemistry (2004) University of Puerto Rico
Postdoctoral Research Associate (2004-2008) Columbia University, NY
Email: aam4@rice.edu
Phone: (713) 348-3486
Office: Dell Butcher Hall, 320B
|
|
Angel Marti
Assistant Professor of Chemistry and Norman Hackerman-Welch Young Investigator
Research Statement
Our research group is interested in the design and synthesis of multifunctional molecular constructs for the treatment and diagnosis of amyloid forming diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's Disease, in addition to the development of sensors and the in vivo and in vitro detection of DNA and mRNA.
5.2 million people suffer Alzheimer's in the United States. By 2050, this number will increase to 14 million unless a cure is found. Finding novel treatments for Alzheimer's disease represents a challenge that will involve different scientific disciplines. Our approach involves the use of molecular scissors to degrade and solubilize amyloid deposits. These amyloid scissors consist of a recognition element capable of selectively binding to amyloid plaques, bound to an artificial protease capable of cleave proteins, similar to those in amyloid plaques. We also aim to attach paramagnetic species such as gadolinium compounds to amyloid recognition elements for use as diagnosis tools in conjuction with MRI techniques.
Other projects involve the design of probes for the detection and monitoring of DNA and mRNA in different media. This will include the use of hybridization probes with an oligonucleotide sequence complementary to the target sequence of interest, and a fluorescent reporter group capable of changing its photophysical properties upon binding to the target sequence.
Our group is also interested in investigating the changes in structure that the protein alpha-synuclein undergoes when it binds to membranes and small molecules such as melanin. Alpha-synuclein has been associated with the pathology of Parkinson's disease. We will use spectroscopic methods such as FTIR and circular dichroism to determine the changes in structure of this protein when interacting with different molecular and supramolecular agents.
Selected Publications
A. Wakata, S. M. Cahill, M. Blumenstein, R. H. Gunby, S. Jockusch, A. A. Marti, B. Cimbro, C. Gambacorti-Passerini, A. Donella-Deana, L. A. Pinna, N. J. Turro, D. S. Lawrence "A Mechanistic Design Principle for Protein Tyrosine Kinase Sensors: Applications to a Validated Cancer Target." Org. Lett., 10 (2008): 301-204.
N. J. Turro, A. A. Marti, J. Y.-C. Chen, S. Jockusch, R. G. Lawler, M. Ruzzi, E. Sartori, S.-C. Chuang, K. Komatsu, Y. Murata "Demonstration of a Chemical Transformation inside a Fullerene. The Reversible Conversion of the Allotropes of H2@C60." J. Am. Chem. Soc., 130 (2008): 10506-10507.
P. Colon, C. J. Wang, Y. Wu, Y. Chen, K. Martinez, W. Tan, S. Stevens, A. A. Marti, S. Jockusch, N. J. Turro "Excimer Signaling Molecular Beacons for Probing Nucleic Acids." J. Am. Chem. Soc., 130 (2008): 336-342.
A. A. Marti, N. J. Turro "Fluorescent Responsive Probes for Oligonucleotide Detection." Chemical Evolution II: From Origins of Life to Modern Society (2008).(In Press)
J. R. Lancaster, A. A. Marti, J. Lopez-Gejo, S. Jockusch, N. O'Connor, N. J. Turro "Non-radiative Deactivation of Singlet Oxygen (1O2) by Cubane and Its Derivatives." Org. Lett., 10 (2008): 5509-5512.
|
