Chemistry Colloquium: Leonard Luyt

The Department of Chemistry in the College of Arts and Sciences is pleased to welcome Dr. Leonard Luyt, a professor at Western University.

Title: Peptides: Transforming Natural Ligands into Imaging Agents and Biomaterials

Abstract

Peptides are becoming increasingly important targeting molecules for the discovery of cancer drugs, imaging agents and theranostics. Peptide hormones that bind to G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are starting points in this development pathway and modifications are required for a natural peptide to become useful as a pharmaceutical product. In this seminar, we will explore the path taken for developing peptide drugs, such as the diabetes drug semaglutide, peptide imaging agents for cancer and peptide biomaterials. One focus of our research is the peptide ghrelin, which is the endogenous ligand for the growth-hormone secretagogue receptor (GHSR), also referred to as the ghrelin receptor. While the primary role of ghrelin relates to appetite regulation, there is increasing evidence for the cancer associated implications of the presence of the GHSR. We have discovered a variety of fluorine-containing and metal-complexed ghrelin analogues for the purpose of molecular imaging of the GHSR. Cyclic peptides as biomaterials for imaging will also be presented. Through discussing the multifaceted potential of peptides for the development of drugs, imaging agents and biomaterials, this seminar sheds light on the promising future of peptide-based pharmaceuticals.