Cheng-Wei Tom Chang

• B.S. 1988, Tunghai University, Taiwan
• Ph.D. 1997, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri
• Post-Doctoral, 1997-1999 University of Minnesota

Research Interests:

Our laboratory is interested in the design and synthesis of novel unusual sugar-containing antibiotics or anticancer agents that have potential therapeutic uses. Using modern synthetic techniques, we have developed methods for the efficient synthesis of a structurally diverse library of unusual sugars. These designed unusual sugars can be incorporated onto various aglycons and used as probes for structure-activity relationship studies. The information provided by the structure-activity relationship studies can be used for the development of novel therapeutic agents effective against the threat of drug-resistant bacteria. We are currently focusing on the diversification of a new class of aminoglycoside antibiotic, pyranmycins that show prominent antibacterial activity against strains of Esherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureau, Bacillis subtilis, and Mycobacterium smegmatis. In addition to the optimized antibacterial activity of our developed pyranmycins, we hope to incorporate structural motifs for the intended purposes of lowering the cytotoxicity common to aminoglycoside type drugs as well as avoiding resistance from certain strains of aminoglycoside resistant bacteria.

Thanks for your visit. 

Tel. (435) 797-3545; FAX (435) 797-3390

E-mail: tom.chang@usu.edu

This page last edited September 04, 2008