Poh Research Lab
About the Laboratory
Central to our research program is the discovery of new reactivities and synthetic methods for the organic synthesis of targeted diagnostic and therapeutic therapies, such as peptidomimetics, other small molecules, and biomaterials. We seek to explore biomolecular mechanisms of action and advance the fields of chemical biology, material science, and medicine through our rationally designed methods.
Research Projects
Developing Strategies for Modulation of Blood–Brain Barrier Permeability
The blood brain barrier (BBB) maintains the homeostasis of the central nervous system (CNS) and protects the brain from toxic substances present in the circulating blood. However, the impermeability of the BBB to drugs is a hurdle for CNS drug development, which hinders the distribution of the most therapeutic molecules into the brain. Therefore, scientists have been striving to develop safe and effective technologies to advance drug penetration into the CNS with higher targeting properties and lower off-targeting side effects. Our studies will discuss the limitation of artificial nanomedicine in CNS drug delivery and the use of natural extracellular vesicles (EVs), as a possible therapeutic vehicles to achieve targeted delivery to the CNS. It also briefly highlight the recent studies on targeted drug delivery in the peripheral nervous system to shed light on potential strategies for CNS drug delivery.
Targeted-Assisted Drug for Inflammation Treatment
The most common form of arthritis is Osteoarthritis (OA). It is a chronic degenerative joint disease that affects mostly middle-aged and older adults. Although the damage to joints cannot be repaired, osteoarthritis symptoms are typically associated with chronic disease that needs long-term treatment. Recent developments in the fields of cellular and molecular imaging promise to allow non-invasive detection of the molecular components of pathologic processes, such as image-based identification of specific molecules associated with inflammation or angiogenesis. Our lab seeks to investigate agents that can specifically and selectively target sites of inflammation associated with OA.
Detection and Reduction of ROS Levels in Inflammation
Oxidative Stress (OS), an excess of endogenous of exogenous reactive oxygen species (ROS) are generated as by-products from cellular metabolism. ROS are typically removed by enzymes, such as superoxide dismutase and catalase; however, when a cell's ROS levels overwhelm these antioxidant capacities, as in the case of inflammation, damage to the components of the cell ensues. The technology to detect high cellular ROS levels is readily available. However, our research focuses on utilizing a probe to detect low levels of ROS in localized areas released by the cell, along with designing an anti-inflammatory agent to target and alleviate inflammation within the cell.
Efficacy of Antimcrobial Peptides
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are a class of small peptides that widely exist in nature and they are an important part of the innate immune system of different organisms. AMPs have a wide range of inhibitory effects against bacteria, fungi, parasites and viruses. The emergence of antibiotic-resistant microorganisms and the increasing of concerns about the use of antibiotics resulted in the development of AMPs, which have a good application prospect in medicine, food, animal husbandry, agriculture and aquaculture. This review introduces the progress of research on AMPs comprehensively and systematically, including their classification, mechanism of action, design methods, environmental factors affecting their activity, application status, prospects in various fields and problems to be solved. The research progress on antivirus peptides, especially anti-coronavirus (COVID-19) peptides, has been introduced given the COVID-19 pandemic worldwide.
Modeling Concentration Flux in Nanoparticle-Assisted Drug Delivery
The overall goal of this research is to efficiently model the 3-D drug release kinetics of a controlled drug release from a double-shell spherical nanoparticle. By utilizing experimental data, a newly developed model can be used to predict the diffusion coefficient and mass flux of any drug released from a spherical nanoparticle. The subsequent analysis investigates the flux of the drug particles over time, the change of concentration over radius of the sphere, and percentage of drug remaining. This computational study culminates in estimating the location of the inner shell and the limit of drug transport, which can be used to tailor the physical and chemical characteristics of nanoparticles for controlled release and delivery of the drug.
Welcome to our lab, a place where research and scientific innovation meet. Our goal is to create synthetic and peptidomimetic drugs with promise for the specialized treatment of cancer, infectious pathogens, and inflammatory illnesses.
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Combining rational design strategy that blends the fundamentals of chemistry, biology, and computational modeling to produce novel therapeutic molecules, is at the core of our work. We develop compounds that can selectively interact with disease-related targets by carefully examining their structure and function, minimizing off-target effects, and optimizing efficacy. Anti-inflammatory conditions like autoimmune diseases provide serious healthcare concerns. Our lab is particularly interested in creating medications that can modify inflammatory pathways very specifically while also protecting the body's defense mechanisms. We want to give clinicians with potent tools for managing these illnesses through rigorous testing and optimization.
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While millions of people worldwide are affected by cancer, which necessitates the development of novel therapies that may selectively target malignant cells while limiting harm to healthy organs. In our laboratory, we examine the potential of peptidomimetic agents—molecules that resemble the structure and behavior of peptides—to offer highly targeted anti-cancer therapy. We want to transform cancer treatment and enhance patient outcomes by designing these drugs to interact with tumor-specific indicators.
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We address the urgent problem of pathogens that defy conventional treatments because of their propensity to mutate and develop resistance in the context of infectious diseases. In order to stop the spread of these viruses and lessen the possibility of resistance emerging, our team aims to create synthetic drugs that target particular characteristics of the pathogens. We work to maintain a lead in the battle against infectious illnesses by consistently pushing the limits of scientific understanding.
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We use fluorescence-guided techniques to assist in the early and precise diagnosis of illnesses. We observe and precisely identify sick tissues by using fluorescent markers that specifically bind to disease-related biomarkers. This strategy has a great deal of potential to increase diagnostic precision, facilitate quick treatment initiation, and ultimately save lives.
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Collaboration is essential in our lab. We create a setting where researchers from many fields may work together, share ideas, and contribute their knowledge in order to advance healthcare. We are confident that by combining our skills and knowledge, we can make discoveries that will fundamentally alter how illnesses are treated and identified.
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Welcome to our lab, where hope is born and invention flourishes. Together, we are trying to create a world in which everyone has access to tailored, precise, and powerful medical therapies that will forever change the practice of medicine.