# Merocytochalasans, Photocytochalasans and the Optical Control of the Actin Cytoskeleton

> **NIH NIH R01** · NEW YORK UNIVERSITY · 2021 · $265,396

## Abstract

Merocytochalasans, Photocytochalasans, and the Optical Control of the Actin Cytoskeleton
Project Summary/Abstract
The goal of this project is to synthesize and study cytochalasans with new structural and functional features.
Cytochalasans generally target the actin cytoskeleton and account for some of the most potent natural products
known. New members of this family that combine fascinating molecular structures with interesting bioactivities,
such as the merocytochalasans, continue to emerge. We propose to synthesize these compounds and evaluate
them in depth for their effect on the actin cytoskeleton. To this end, we will develop biomimetic cascade reactions
that are based on the largely unexplored oxidative coupling chemistry of pyrogallols. In parallel, we will design
and synthesize cytochalasans that bear photoswitches and can be reversibly activated with light. These
“photocytochalasans” change their affinity, efficacy, or bioavailability upon irradiation and allow for the precision
control of actin dynamics. We will extend our program on the optical control of the actin cytoskeleton to
photoswitchable derivatives of the jasplakinolides. To support our claims, we provide preliminary results that
demonstrate that the photopharmacology of the actin cytoskeleton is indeed viable.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10150029
- **Project number:** 5R01GM126228-04
- **Recipient organization:** NEW YORK UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** DIRK HARTWIG TRAUNER
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $265,396
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2018-08-01 → 2022-04-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10150029

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10150029, Merocytochalasans, Photocytochalasans and the Optical Control of the Actin Cytoskeleton (5R01GM126228-04). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10150029. Licensed CC0.

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