fragnet esr1-15 projects final v2 -...
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www.fragnet.eu
The objectives of FragNet are to (a) train a cohort of ESRs across FBLD methods and (b) develop individual skills in research into either new methods in FBLD or to apply FBLD to interrogate biological systems.
We are looking for highly motivated and talented students with a MSc degree who are interested in an ambitious multidisciplinary project on Fragment‐Based Lead Discovery (FBLD).
At this moment we have 15 vacancies
The deadline for applications has been extended to February 12th. Applicants should be available for the FRAGNET recruitment day on
March 11th 2016. Invitations and travel arrangements will be made by FRAGNET not later than February 19
th.
In some cases, candidates will be invited for a preliminary (Skype or VoIP) interview in the week following the application deadline.
FragNet offers:
Generously funded positions (duration 36 months) for 15 Early stage researchers (ESRs)
High profile research projects in an Innovative European Training Network Program
Excellent facilities for research and education
Research training in both academic and industrial settings
Training in state‐of‐the‐art scientific and transferable skills
Intensive contacts with international collaborators & secondments in other research laboratories
FragNet is looking for candidates that:
are highly motivated and talented
are able to work in a multidisciplinary team
are keen on intra‐European mobility to perform PhD research abroad
have good communication skills
Selection criteria of the candidate:
fulfil the eligibility criteria (ESR, international mobility) for Marie Skłodowska‐Curie Innovative Training Networks (Horizon 2020)
have a MSc degree in Life Sciences or obtain a MSc degree by September 2016
have completed a research internship with relevant expertise
have obtained high grades during his/her studies
be fluent in English
Application procedure:
1. Send your application mentioning the ESR number in the subject line to [email protected].
2. Deadline for applications: February 12, 2016.
3. Please send all the necessary information as one pdf file to [email protected]. .
o Detailed CV (include information on your BSc and MSc studies, languages, achievements, expertise)
o Motivation letter, addressed to the FragNet selection committee, explaining your motivation why you apply with us. You
have to indicate which FragNet ESR project(s) you are interested in (please motivate your selection and indicate which has
your preference).
o Provide contact details of at least 2 references (names, addresses, emails).
o Reference letter from one of the enlisted references
o Copies of your key educational certificates
o Transcript of Records (i.e. documents enlisting your performance as BSc and MSc student over time by listing the course
units or modules taken, credits gained and the grades awarded). If you have not completed your MSc degree yet include all
grades obtained so far.
4. You may apply to more than one ESR position. If you do, submit a separate and dedicated application file for each position.
5. If applicable provide a language certificate Application is OPEN 3. The applications will be assessed by the FragNet selection
committee, in which all group leaders are represented. Candidates are in particular evaluated on creativity, originality, intellectual
capacity and quality of CV and motivation letter. The selection committee also takes into account interdisciplinary and gender balance.
6. Potential (Skype) interviews will be arranged with the group leaders associated with the ESR projects.
7. The ultimate starting date for the ESR projects is: 1st September 2016, as the complete Fragnet ESR cohort will participate in the first
Fragnet workshop that will be organized in York, UK in September 2016.
For other FragNet related questions please contact: [email protected]
Eligibility criteria
Eligibility criteria of Marie Curie Initial Training Networks apply. Only applicants who comply to the following conditions will be considered:
Conditions of experience (ESR)
Candidates must be, at the time of recruitment by the host organisation, in the first four years (full‐time equivalent) of their research careers and
have not yet been awarded a doctoral degree. This is measured from the date when they obtained the MSc degree which would formally entitle
them to embark on a doctorate.
Conditions of international mobility
Eligible candidates may be of any nationality but must not, at the time of recruitment have resided or carried out their main activity (work,
studies, etc.) in the country of their host organisation for more than 12 months in the 3 last years immediately prior to the reference date.
ESR1: 3D
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ESR2: Novel 3D fragments
Host: University of York, UK
Academic supervisor : Prof. dr. Peter O’Brien and Prof. dr. Rod Hubbard (University of York)
Synopsis
The applicant will join a team working on the design, synthesis and assessment of novel 3D
fragments. The focus of the project is on chemical synthesis with opportunities to explore
aspects of cheminformatics (for analysing compounds), molecular modelling (how the
compounds bind to proteins) and experimental fragment screening.
Objectives
1. Design of 3‐D fragment library.
2. Synthesis of selected fragments.
Approach
Most of the compounds in fragment libraries[1, 2] are commercially available small molecules
which have been selected by medicinal chemists based on their experience on ease of synthesis
and what they have seen before in existing drugs. This means that many fragments are flat
heterocycles. This has worked well for many proteins that bind to and recognise metabolites
such as ATP, but may not be ideal for other proteins, such as those that bind carbohydrates.
There are also analyses which suggest that more 3D compounds have better properties as
drugs[3]. One of the major issues with such compounds is they contain multiple stereo‐centres
which makes synthesis to improve the compounds more challenging. Some of the synthetic
chemistry developed at York provides a way to achieve this. This project builds on recent work in
the O’Brien laboratory (aided by cheminformatics analysis by the Hubbard group) to design and
synthesise novel 3D lead‐like compounds[4]. The compounds will be designed based on common
features of drug molecules and some of our 3‐D fragments are shown below. Principal moments
of inertia (PMI) plots, which are a representation of 3‐D space, will be used to evaluate the
designed compounds and selection criteria will be developed to identify compounds. Selected
compounds will then be synthesised.
Qualifications
The skills required are an interest and aptitude for compound synthesis; the amount of time
spent outside of the synthetic laboratory (on modelling or experimental screening) will depend
on the interests of the successful applicant.
Key publications 1. Doak et al. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/CH13280, 2013.
2. Baurin et al. J Chem Inf Comput Sci, 2004. 44, 2157‐66.
3. Lovering et al. J Med Chem, 2009, 52, 6752‐6.
4. Luthy et al. Bioorg Med Chem, 2015, 23, 2680‐94.
ESR3: Warhead Library of Covalent Fragment Binders
Host: RCNS, Hungary (PhD enrolment at Budapest University of Technology and Economics)
Academic supervisor: Prof. dr. György M. Keserű (RCNS)
Synopsis
The starting points of FBLD studies are highly curated collections of small, chemically diverse and
highly soluble fragments. To increase the diversity of the available fragment libraries, ESR3 will
design and synthesise a reactive ‘warhead’ library and establish techniques for screening
covalent binders against several FragNet protein targets, including kinases.
Objectives
1. Designing and creating a compound library of fragment sized molecules with reactive
warheads: “warhead library”.
2. Establishing techniques for efficient detection of covalent binders in a screening setup.
3. Screening of “warhead” library and virtual hits identified by ESR9 against various protein
targets, e.g., Janus kinases.
4. Extending covalent binders into lead‐like compounds.
Approach
By using synthetic organic chemistry, computational chemistry and (structure‐based) drug
design, a general fragment library for screening of covalent ligands will be created. The
identification of covalent inhibitors for therapeutically relevant proteins, including Janus kinases,
will be explored.
Qualifications
Preparative organic chemistry or theoretical organic chemistry or chemical biology knowledge
and lab experience, analytical or bioanalytical background will be beneficial.
Key publications 1. Jöst et al. J. Med. Chem. 2014, 57, 7590‐7599
2. Mark et al. J. Med. Chem. 2014, 57, 10072‐10079
3. Baskin et al. PLoS ONE 2014, 9(8), e105568.
ESR4: Development of FBLD techniques for Intrinsically Disordered Proteins Host: Vernalis Research, UK (PhD enrolment at University of York) Industrial supervisor: Dr Ben Davis (Vernalis Research) Synopsis FBLD technologies are continuously being improved to capture new opportunities. ESR4 will explore Intrinsically Disordered Proteins (IDPs) and Intrinsically Disordered Regions (IDRs). The significance of these proteins has recently become apparent. This project will begin to evaluate the possibility of using FBLD to develop small molecule ligands that bind to IDPs and IDRs, and modulate their folding and function. Objectives
1. Evaluate literature studies of ligands binding to intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs). 2. Identify suitable IDP test system(s) with tractable expression, purification, stability and
behaviour in aqueous solution. 3. Evaluate and develop fragment based screening (FBS) methods to identify fragments
which bind to the IDP. 4. Validate and evolve initial fragments to show enhanced potency and characterise
response of IDP to these ligands.
Approach
A number of IDP‐ligand interactions have been identified in the literature, and assessment of these will provide both a key initial dataset and a valuable training in the biophysical techniques and approaches used to study protein‐ligand interactions. Evaluation of the suitability of one or more IDPs for FBLD approaches will also provide a robust dataset, since any outcome will be of interest. Once the experimental methodology has been tested on the literature IDP systems, they will applied against one or more tractable IDP or IDR systems, identified either from the literature or through collaborations (for example, with research groups at the University of York who are investigating the structural biology of disease‐related IDPs). The experimental methodology will then be extended to screen low affinity fragments for binding to this tractable IDP system, and to characterise the structural and kinetic basis for observed fragment: IDP interactions. Fragments which are determined as validated ligands for the IDP will then be explored through well‐described FBLD evolution strategies, such as near neighbour analysis and template morphing, in order to enhance the affinity of the ligand: IDP interaction and if possible to characterise the response of the IDP to ligand binding
Qualifications:
An MSc degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biophysics or Molecular Life Sciences is required. Expertise in protein expression and/or protein biophysics is required, along with a keen interest in the protein folding and molecular interactions. The ability to work independently as part of a small team is essential, along with strong communication and interpersonal skills. Previous experience of NMR would be an advantage. Key publications:
1. Tompa et al. 2015 Curr. Opin. Struct. Biol. 35, 49–59. 2. Follis et al. 2008 Chem. Biol. 15, 1149–55. 3. Krishnan et al. 2014 Nat. Chem. Biol. 10, 558–66.
ESR5: Biophysics Based FBLD
Host: ZoBio BV, The Netherlands (PhD enrolment at VU University Amsterdam)
Industrial supervisor: dr. Gregg Siegal (Zobio)
Synopsis
FBLD technologies are continuously being improved to capture new opportunities. This project
will investigate emerging antimicrobial targets with state‐of‐the‐art biophysical screening
technologies.
Objectives
1. Use NMR and SPR to screen a fragment library for validated hits against the target protein.
2. Develop NMR structural biology approaches to enable structure based drug design to elaborate hits to potent lead‐like molecules.
3. Collaborate with the medicinal chemistry group of Prof. Iwan de Esch to design, synthesize and test elaborated hits.
Approach
This project will seek to develop inhibitors of critical bacterial and/or viral enzymes. In order to
do so we will first concentrate on expressing the target in E. coli in a form that is suitable for
biophysical and structural biological work. The recombinant protein will be used to screen for
ligands specific for the target using ZoBio’s proprietary, NMR‐based TINS technology and SPR.
The structure of validated hits from this effort bound to the target will be elucidated using
protein observed NMR methods. Collaboration with other Fragnet members will bring the
possibility to use X‐ray crystallography as well. The structural information will be used to design
compounds with better potency and ligand efficiency in collaboration with the medicinal
chemistry group of Prof. Iwan de Esch. We expect to develop novel compounds that have
biological activity in anti‐bacterial or anti‐viral assays.
Qualifications
A strong bachelors background in chemistry and physical chemistry is important. The successful
applicant will have demonstrated some ability to recombinantly express and purify proteins. Any
previous experience with NMR, either theoretical or practical, would be a help.
Key publications: 1. van Linden et al. Eur. J. Med. Chem. 2012, 47, 493‐500. 2. Vanwetswinkel et al. Chem. Biol. 2005, 12, 207‐216. 3. Shah et al. J. Med. Chem. 2012, 55, 23, 10786‐10790.
ESR6: FBLD experimental methods
Host: Beactica AB, Sweden (PhD enrolment at Uppsala University) Industrial supervisor: Prof Helena Danielson (Beactica, Uppsala University) Synopsis FBLD technologies are continuously being improved to capture new opportunities. This project will study the use of biosensor‐based technologies to study ligand‐protein binding events. Objectives
1. Develop biosensor‐based assays for epigenetic target proteins interacting with histones. 2. Screen proprietary FragNet fragment libraries against selected target proteins. 3. Characterize fragment hits using same biosensor‐based methods and orthogonal assays. 4. Use experimental data in computer‐assisted drug design. 5. Optimise fragment hits.
Approach New biosensor instruments and methods will be used for development of highly sensitive and informative assays suitable for epigenetic targets that interact with and modify histone proteins. The methods will address the challenges associated with detection of weakly interacting small molecules (fragments) and will be focused on distinguishing ligands with a functional effect from binders that simply interact with the protein. The assays will be designed for direct or indirect detection of fragments that can directly block interactions with the protein substrate/binding partner or that have enough binding energy to induce the required conformational changes for allosteric inhibition of protein‐protein interactions. Biophysical methods will be developed for identifying ligand binding sites, i.e., binding to the protein‐protein interaction surface (corresponding to the active site for non‐enzyme targets) or an allosteric site. Computational studies of hits will be performed as a complement to experimental studies, with a focus on identifying potential binding sites, binding modes and interaction features of weakly interacting ligands. The design of any new ligands can be supported by computer‐aided drug design studies and synthesis will be performed in collaboration with other ESRs. Qualifications
Required diploma: MSc degree in Biochemistry, Biophysics or related Molecular Life Science degree. Required expertise: Experience in biochemical and/or biophysical characterization of proteins. The candidate has a strong background in biochemistry or biophysics, and has experience in variety of methods for producing proteins and characterizing their structural and functional properties. Recommended expertise: Use of advanced biophysical instruments and development of new biochemical and biophysical assays. An interest in computer‐aided drug design and mathematical modelling and statistical analysis of biochemical data would be an advantage. The candidate needs to be able to discuss and develop methods in collaboration with other ESRs.
Key publications
1. Winquist et al. Biochemistry, 2013, 52, 613‐626. 2. Gossas et al. Med. Chem. Commun, 2013, 4, 432 – 442 3. Seeger et al . Journal of Molecular recognition 2012, 25, 495–503. 4. Geitmann et al. J. Med. Chem. 2011, 54, 699‐708. 5. Elinder et al. J. of Biomolecular Screening, 2011, 16, 15‐25.
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ESR8: Virtual Screening of Fragment Libraries of Covalent Binders
Host: RCNS, Hungary (PhD enrolment at Budapest University of Technology and Economics)
Academic supervisor: Prof. dr. György M. Keserű (RCNS)
Synopsis
Computer‐aided drug design (CADD) approaches are able to generate accurate molecular models
that integrate available structural data with biochemical and biophysical screening data. In this
project, we will develop computational chemistry protocols for modelling covalent protein
binders and fragment hit evolution.
Objectives
1. Designing a docking and scoring scheme for fragment sized covalent binders. These
binding results will be complemented with reaction kinetic data.
2. Designing a computational protocol to extend the covalent fragments to covalent lead
like compounds.
3. Virtual screening of commercially available reactive fragments against various proteins
including Janus kinases.
4. Extending covalent binders that are identified by ESR3 and confirmed by ESR8 to lead like
compounds
Approach
In this project, computational chemistry, molecular modelling, drug design and experimental
technics to observe and quantify covalent binders will be combined. These studies will lead to
computational methods to identify fragment sized covalent binders. It will also establish
computational methods to extend covalent fragments to lead like compounds, e.g., for the
identification of inhibitors of FragNet targets, including Janus Kinases (see ESR9).
Qualifications
Applicants must have experience with computational chemistry with a focus on molecular
modelling. Familiarity with drug discovery concepts will be an advantage.
Key publications 1. Singh et al. Nature. Rev. Drug Discov. 2011, 10, 307
2. Allen et al. Med. Chem. Commun. 2014, 5, 180.
3. Mah et al. Bioor. Med. Chem. Lett. 2014, 24, 33.
ESR9: FraHost: UniAcademi
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Key publications 1. Radusky et al. Database (Oxford). 2014, 2014(0), bau035. 2. Ruiz‐Carmona et al.PLOS Computational Biology 2014, 10(4):e1003571 3. Schmidtke et al. Bioinformatics, 2011, 27(23), 3276‐3285 4. Schmidtke et al. J. Med. Chem. 2010, 53(15), 5858–5867
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ESR12: Covalent fragments to activate industrial enzymes Host: University of York, UK
Academic supervisors: Prof. dr. Peter O’Brien and Prof. dr. Rod Hubbard (University of York)
Synopsis
As a novel fragment‐based application, this project will identify fragments to activate enzymes that are used for chemical conversions in industry and covalently attach the fragments to the enzymes and optimise hit fragments that increase enzyme activity. The student will join a team working on fragment‐based methods for activating industrial enzymes. Objectives
1. To identify fragments that activate industrial enzymes such as amylase and cellulase. 2. To characterise the kinetics, mechanism of action, substrate and product profiles of
enzymes activated by fragments. 3. To design covalent strategies to attach the fragments to the enzymes for biotechnology
applications. Approach
The York laboratory has recently demonstrated that small fragments can increase the activity of an enzyme[1]. A project is beginning during 2016 to extend this work in two directions. The first is to identify activators for other enzymes, such as cellulase and glycosidases which are used industrially for pulp processing and bioenergy production. The second is to explore synthetic methods for covalently attaching these activating fragments to the enzyme. This should increase the activity but crucially mean that the compounds are not lost in the industrial process. Qualifications The details of the project for the student will be decided during the summer of 2016 but will also be tuned to the interests and aptitude of the student. If the primary interest is synthetic chemistry, then there are a number of different attachment strategies to be explored, including some new ideas in this area of bio‐orthogonal chemistry. If the primary interest is fragment‐based discovery and enzyme activation, then there are a number of industrial enzymes that are being prepared for study. Key publications
1. Darby et al. Angewandte Chemie, 2014, 53, 13419‐13423.
ESR13: Fragment‐based assessment of new antibiotic Host: University of York, UK
Academic supervisors: Prof. dr. Peter O’Brien and Prof. dr. Rod Hubbard (University of York)
Synopsis
Fragment‐based approaches will interrogate protein targets and identify potential drug targets. Objectives
1. To use computational screening methods to characterise a set of proteins from the bacterial DNA replication machinery.
2. To over‐express, purify and characterise protein for at least two such targets, determining crystal structures.
3. Conduct screening against the targets, identifying and characterising fragment hits. 4. SAR by catalogue and limited chemical synthesis to optimise the fragment hits and assess
in bacterial replication assays. Approach
The student will use the methods of fragment‐based discovery[1] to assess which of the proteins in the bacterial replisome are potential targets for antibiotics. The bacterial replisome consists of
some 15 proteins which together replicate DNA within a bacterial cell. The McGlynn group is one of the few in the world that can reconstitute this molecular machine in the test tube. The aim of this project is to use fragment‐based methods to assess whether any of the proteins (or the complexes they make) are suitable targets for the development of new classes of antibiotics. The crystal structures for many of the proteins are already available
and another laboratory has already identified fragments and optimised compounds for one of the proteins (the β sliding clamp)[2]. Preliminary screening of the York fragment library is planned for Summer 2016 and the outcomes of these screens will inform the precise direction of the project. There are multiple assays available to characterise the effect of any inhibitory fragments on the functionality of the entire replisome, subcomponents and individual enzymes[3‐5]. The project will focus on fragment hits for a number of different targets, characterise binding using biophysical methods such as NMR, SPR and ITC, determine crystal structures of the fragment‐enzyme complexes and explore preliminary optimisation of the compounds by purchase of similar compounds. In addition, there will be opportunities for computational work centred on identifying potential inhibitor binding sites within individual replisome components using molecular docking calculations. Qualifications The skills required are an interest in protein structure and function and an aptitude for the methods of characterising biomolecular interactions.
Key publications
1. Hubbard et al. Methods Enzymol, 2011. 493, 509‐31. 2. Yin et al. J. Med. Chem. 2014. 57, 2799‐806. 3. Gupta et al. J Biol Chem. 2010, 285, 979‐87. 4. Gupta et al. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A, 2013, 110, 7252‐7. 5. McGlynn et al. J Mol Biol, 2008, 381, 249‐55.
ESR14: Targeting allosteric pockets with FBLD
Host: Novartis Pharma AG (PhD enrolment at VU University Amsterdam)
Industrial supervisors: Dr. Andreas Marzinzik and Dr. Wolfgang Jahnke (Novartis)
Synopsis
In this project, FBLD approaches will be applied in the area of neglected diseases by targeting
allosteric binding pockets of farnesyl pyrophosphate synthase (FPPS) to generate ligands that kill
the parasite Trypanasoma brucei.
Objectives
1. Collaborate with AEGIS ITN student to set up fragment screening and characterization (NMR, SPR, X‐ray crystallography) for parasite Trypanosoma brucei farnesyl pyrophosphate synthase (FPPS)
2. Design improved ligands by molecular modelling 3. Optimise fragment hits for allosteric binding pocket, with respect to potency,
permeability, selectivity and pharmacokinetic properties
Approach
Trypanosoma brucei (Tbr) is the causative parasite of human African trypanosomiasis (HAT), also
known as African sleeping sickness, a disease that has been largely neglected in the Western
world for a long time. The World Health Organization and other neglected diseases organisations
such as the DNDi encourage the development of new and effective medication against this
disease. It has been shown that bisphosphonate FPPS inhibitors are effective anti‐parasite
compounds, however the pharmacokinetic properties do not allow the use for this indication. In
this project, FBLD will be used to target an allosteric binding pocket and will optimise effective
anti‐parasite treatments.
This position is strongly connected to a PhD position within the AEGIS ITN where protein
expression and structural biology will be performed. Both PhD students will closely collaborate
with each other and within the ITN. The targets pursued within the ITNs are non‐confidential and
the research results can be published.
Qualifications
Master of Science degree in chemistry, biochemistry, physical or life sciences
Interest in drug discovery, structural biology and medicinal chemistry
Ability to work independently as part of a small research team
Strong motivation and communication skills
ESR15: Science, Business & Innovation in the pharmaceutical sciences
Host: VU University Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Academic supervisors: Prof. Peter van der Sijde, dr. Iina Hellsten & dr. Jacqueline van Muijlwijk
(VU University Amsterdam)
Synopsis
In this project, we will study innovation management in pharmaceutical sciences with a focus on
the pharmaceutical (disruptive) innovation in the open innovation landscape which enables
academia and SMEs to participate in lead discovery and chemical biology approaches. The ESR
will study the absorptive capacity in academia, SMEs and pharma. Furthermore, pharmaceutical
innovation management through collaboration networks between university, industry and
government (triple helix) will be considered, using FBLD as a case study and secondly via
mapping publication‐ and patent data to identify relationships and dependencies between start‐
ups, SMEs and big pharma in innovation dissemination.
Objectives
1. Study the disruptive innovation aspects of FBLD in respect to older technologies.
2. Using FBLD as case study, describe the absorptive capacity of SMEs, big pharma and
academic institutes (EU, USA).
3. Study FBLD aspects in triple helix projects and describe best practice with respect to
innovation and IP management.
Approach
These studies will reveal the differences in innovation management in different settings of
pharmaceutical sciences (start‐up, small company, large company) and how knowledge
disseminates through the networks. This will also help all FragNet ESRs to better position and
present their inventions (disseminative capacity). The results of the ESR15 will be published as
scientific articles, and a PhD Dissertation.
Qualifications
We are looking for a PhD candidate with proven affinity in combining sciences and social
sciences, for example through science and technology studies approaches, in particular within
medical and/or pharmaceutical innovations. The successful candidate is interested in bridging
the (exact) sciences and the social sciences, and holds, preferably, and (BSc or MSc) degree in
(medicinal) chemistry, chemical biology or pharmaceutical sciences, and a (BSc or MSc) degree or
attended (relevant) courses in social sciences.
Key publications 1. Schumacher A., German PG., Trill H., Gassmann O. (2013). Models for open innovation in the
pharmaceutical industry. Drug Discovery Today, 18: 1133‐7. 2. Leydesdorff, L. & Ahrweiler, P. (2014) In Search of a Network Theory of Innovations: Relations, Positions,
and Perspectives, Journal of the American Society for Information Science and Technology 65(11): () 2359‐2374
3. Freitas, I. M. B., Marques, R. A., & e Silva, E. M. D. P. (2013). University–industry collaboration and innovation in emergent and mature industries in new industrialized countries. Research Policy, 42(2): 443‐453.