Lab Interests

Our laboratory is interested in developing and applying chemical tools to dissect the functional roles of hydrolases in a number of human health conditions. Our research group is made up of a mix of synthetic organic chemists, biologists, biochemists, and cell biologists. We are currently using synthetic chemistry and phage display methods to build new reagents that allow enzyme activity to be slectively inhibited as well as monitored in complex biological samples including cells, tissues and whole organisms. Our primary research areas include:

  • Development of inhibitors of the proteasome in the human parasite  Plasmodium falciparum for the treatment of malaria
  • Identification of novel serine hydrolase targets in the pathogenic bacteria Staphylococcus aureus and Mycobacterium tuberculosis 
  • Identification of proteases that regulate aspects of bacterial signaling and survival in gut commensal microbes
  • Development of fluorescent enzyme-activated sensors for applications in image guided cancer surgery and imaging of sites of bacterial infections.
  • Targeting viral proteases to create the next generation of drugs for use in global pandemics

Bogyo Lab Values Statement:

In the Bogyo Lab, we believe that scientific research, and those involved, is improved by an open, diverse, and inclusive environment. We welcome researchers of all races, ethnicities, gender identities, sexual orientations, religions, educational backgrounds, and abilities. Our lab is committed to challenging systemic inequities in science and fostering a collaborative space in which we can all learn from each other.