# Chemical Synthesis of Complex Natural Products for Translational Science

> **NIH NIH R35** · BOSTON UNIVERSITY (CHARLES RIVER CAMPUS) · 2024 · $6,432

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT
Research Supplement to Promote Diversity in Health-Related Research
The goals of the continuing R35GM118173 research program “Chemical Synthesis of Complex Natural Products
for Translational Science” involve chemical syntheses of bioactive molecules for translational studies. A diversity
supplement is requested for an American Colombian-Nicaraguan student researcher to develop a
comprehensive research experience and mentoring plan for the chemical synthesis of complex natural products
and derivatives. A research plan is proposed to develop methodology for catalytic asymmetric excited state
intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) photocycloaddition to access bioactive aglain and rocaglate scaffolds.
Chemical synthesis aims involve: 1) Synthesis and evaluation of novel TEFDDOL photocatalysts for
photocycloaddition with 3-hydroxyflavones and 2) Application of the asymmetric synthesis methodology to
access aglain natural products and derivatives. A mentoring and career development plan is described to enable
training of Mr. Borge in allied research areas including medicinal chemistry, flow-mediated synthesis, and
computational studies through the mentorship of an affiliated Dissertation Advisory Committee (DAC), and to
provide preparation for next career steps. Additional training elements include coursework, research skills
training in synthetic chemistry by interaction with group members as well as personnel from affiliated research
groups, workshops on special topics (e.g. RCR, safety, and preparation for an academic career), participation in
grant writing, and mentorship of undergraduate students. Progress will be tracked via deliverables such as
publications and conferences. The candidate plans to also initiate a program in his free time with a local
community college to provide exposure to chemical research to interested students. Overall, the planned studies
will aim to achieve comprehensive training of an outstanding Latino researcher and are relevant to public health
in that they will also enable preclinical development of novel classes of anticancer and antiviral agents.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10838112
- **Project number:** 3R35GM118173-08S2
- **Recipient organization:** BOSTON UNIVERSITY (CHARLES RIVER CAMPUS)
- **Principal Investigator:** JOHN A. PORCO
- **Activity code:** R35 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $6,432
- **Award type:** 3
- **Project period:** 2016-05-01 → 2026-04-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10838112

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10838112, Chemical Synthesis of Complex Natural Products for Translational Science (3R35GM118173-08S2). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-25 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10838112. Licensed CC0.

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