Enrichment analysis for discovering biological associations in phenotypic screens.

A phenotypic screen (PS) is used to identify compounds causing a desired phenotype in a complex biological system where mechanisms and targets are largely unknown. Deconvoluting the mechanism of action of actives and identification of relevant targets and pathways remains a formidable challenge. Current methods fail to use the rich information available regarding compounds and their targets in a systematic way for this deconvolution.

Design and synthesis of D₁ agonist/D₂ antagonist for treatment of schizophrenia.

A series of tetrahydroisoquinolines were designed, synthesized and evaluated as the first non-natural product type of compounds with dual D(1) receptor (D(1)R) agonism and D(2) receptor (D(2)R) antagonism properties for treatment of schizophrenia. The initial SAR of the series was explored. The lead in the series, 3g, exhibited high affinity and good potency.

Phosphorus-nitrogen-phosphorus ligands: cooperative effects between nitrogen and phosphorus substituents on catalytic activity.

A new generation of PNP compounds bearing different diarylphosphine groups were prepared and used as ligands in palladium-catalysed Suzuki cross-coupling reactions. Rates of oxidative addition of iodobenzene to (PNP)Pd[0] complexes were measured using UV spectroscopy. Synergistic effects between the N- and P- substituents were identified and correlated in redox and catalytic chemistry.