This project entails the development of an accessible, sensitive, , and reliable method of detecting domoic acid in aqueous media. This compound is a potent phytotoxin that acts as agonist to ionotropic glutamate receptors (iGluR) in the central nervous system and has recently threatened public health and the fishing industry. The detection method will be based on a synthetic receptor tailored to bind domoate molecules labeled with a fluorophore probe, dansyl. The receptor will consist of a dendritic matrix affixed to polystyrene beads. This matrix is designed to engulf a pre-cognitive binding site which is composed of short peptide sequences closely positioned to interact with the targeted neurotoxin. The peptide sequence with highest affinity for the substrate will be selected from a receptor library developed by combinatorial methodology.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS)
Type
Postdoctoral Individual National Research Service Award (F32)
Project #
1F32ES005931-01
Application #
6294270
Study Section
Medicinal Chemistry Study Section (MCHA)
Program Officer
Shreffler, Carol K
Project Start
2001-06-20
Project End
Budget Start
2001-03-01
Budget End
2002-04-30
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
2001
Total Cost
$34,832
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Miami Coral Gables
Department
Chemistry
Type
Schools of Arts and Sciences
DUNS #
City
Coral Gables
State
FL
Country
United States
Zip Code
33146
Gawley, Robert E; Dukh, Mykhaylo; Cardona, Claudia M et al. (2005) Heptapeptide mimic of ohmefentanyl binding in the discontinuous mu-opiod receptor. Org Lett 7:2953-6