Episode 26: Affinity, Gel Filtration, Size Exclusion Chromatography: Repurposing Kinase Inhibitors for Malaria

Join us for a fascinating conversation with Dr. Subhoja Chakraborty from the University of Central Florida, whose cutting-edge research targets the global challenge of malaria drug resistance. Dr. Chakraborty shares her journey from structure-based drug design during her PhD to her recent collaborative work repurposing human kinase inhibitors as rapid, selective antimalarials against drug-resistant Plasmodium falciparum strains.In this episode, you'll learn:- How structure-guided approaches reveal potential drug targets, including cysteine proteases like falcipain-2, and kinases implicated in malaria's complex life cycle.- The power of repurposing kinase inhibitors originally developed for cancer and other diseases, focusing on compound 12, which blocks hemozoin formation and protein kinase 6—key steps in parasite survival.- Lab techniques such as affinity, gel filtration, and size exclusion chromatography for recombinant protein purification—and how troubleshooting is crucial for high-yield, stable complexes.- Advances in mass spectrometry for characterizing protein interactions, validating drug targets, and mapping molecular pathways pivotal to malaria therapeutics.- Tips and lessons for new researchers facing the challenges of sample preparation, complex protocols, and working as part of a collaborative team.Dr. Chakraborty’s insights bridge the gap between basic science and translational drug discovery, offering hope for more effective, targeted malaria treatments in a world where resistance to frontline therapies threatens millions.Referenced Papers:- "Plasmodium falciparum protein kinase 6 and hemozoin formation are inhibited by a type II human kinase inhibitor exhibiting antimalarial activity" (Cell Chemical Biology, 2025)- "New insights of falcipain 2 structure from Plasmodium falciparum 3D7 strain" (BBRC, 2022)- "Structure-Based Optimization of Protease−Inhibitor Interactions to Enhance Specificity of Human Stefin‑A against Falcipain‑2 from the Plasmodium falciparum 3D7 Strain" (Biochemistry, 2023)If you’re a student, scientist, or simply passionate about advances in infectious disease research, this episode offers actionable insights, inspiring advice, and a front-row seat to innovation in combating malaria.Subscribe for more interviews with pioneering scientists in chemistry, biology, and biomedical research!#MalariaResearch #StructuralBiology #DrugDiscovery #KinaseInhibitors #Proteomics #Chromatography #MassSpectrometry #Falcipain2 #Antimalarial #ScientificCareers #UCFResearch