Welcome to the Wang Laboratory at the University of Arizona
(Rutgers Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy beginning Jan 2022)
Research in the Wang Laboratory is directed towards developing antivirals targeting drug-resistant viruses and emerging viruses, including influenza A and B viruses, enterovirus D68 (EV-D68), EV-A71, coxsackievirus, polio virus, and the coronaviruses including SARS-CoV-2. The central theme of the Wang laboratory has been the identification of new drug targets and the development of novel small molecules for use as chemical probes for target validation as well as drug candidates for translational research. For influenza virus, we have developed inhibitors targeting the M2 proton channel (S31N and V27A), the viral polymerase PA-PB1 protein-protein interactions, and the hemagglutinin fusion protein. For enteroviruses, we have designed inhibitors targeting the viral capsid VP1 protein, the viral 2A protease, the viral 2C protein, and the viral polymerase. For SARS-CoV-2, we recently identified a few interesting main protease inhibitors and papain-like protease inhibitors. In addition, we are also pursuing host-targeting antivirals as a means to conquer drug resistance.
The Wang laboratory consists of the chemistry lab and the biochemistry lab. Techniques implemented in the Wang laboratory include but not limited to structure-based drug design, high-throughput screening, medicinal chemistry, electrophysiology, peptide chemistry, biophysics, and virology. We are a diverse group and researchers in the Wang Lab have opportunity to explore all aspects of pre-clinical drug discovery in the same lab starting from molecular-level design to in vivo mouse model studies.
We are relocating to Rutgers University Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy in Jan. 2022. We have multiple positions at all levels. Please contact Dr. Wang ([email protected]) if you are interested in exploring research opportunities in the Wang Laboratory. We currently have multiple positions opening at all levels (postdoc, graduate student, technician, and undergraduate). Candidates with background or interest in virology, medicinal chemistry, pharmacology, assay development, high-throughput screening, and molecular biology are all welcomed! Knowing little about viruses? Don't worry, we will teach you everything you need to know and we will grow together!