Benjamin C. Gorske

The Gorske lab aims to control important chemical and biological processes using synthetic mimics of biomolecules such as proteins and enzymes. The collective actions of these biomolecules within the context of living organisms represent perhaps the most powerful force on our planet. Our lab aims to harness this power using synthetic molecules to enable the development of molecular machines, new materials, and treatments for diseases such as cancer and Alzheimer's disease.

The Gorske lab uses techniques that entail:

• Simple molecular synthesis
• Chemical analysis
• Testing for mimicry of biological activity

All are welcome, and no prior experience is required!

“A Peptoid Square Helix via Synergistic Control of Backbone Dihedral Angles.” Gorske, B. C.*; Mumford, E. M.^†; Gerrity, C. G.^†; Ko, I^†. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2017, 139, 8070–8073.

“Tandem Incorporation of Enantiomeric Residues Engenders Discrete Peptoid Secondary Structures.” Gorske, B. C.*; Mumford, E. M.^†; Conry, R. C. Org. Lett. 2016, 18, 2780–2783.

“Bridged n®p* Interactions Can Stabilize Peptoid Helices.” Gorske, B. C.*; Nelson, R. C.; Bowden, Z. S.^†; Kufe, T. A.^†; Childs, A. M.^† J. Org. Chem. 2013, 78, 11172–11183.

“New Strategies for the Design of Folded Peptoids Revealed by a Survey of Noncovalent Interactions in Model Systems.” Gorske, B. C.; Stringer, J. R.; Bastian, B. L.; Fowler, S. A.; Blackwell, H. E. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2009, in press.

“Regio- and Stereoselective Synthesis of Fluoroalkenes by Directed Au(I) Catalysis.” Gorske, B. C.; Mbofana, C. T.; Miller, S. J. Org. Lett. 2009, 11, 4318-4321.

“Local and Tunable n®p* Interactions Regulate Amide Isomerism in the Peptoid Backbone.” Gorske, B. C.; Bastian, B. L.; Geske, G. D.; Blackwell, H. E. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2007, 129, 8928-8929.

Highlighted by Faculty of 1000 Biology (Faculty of 1000 Biology: evaluations for Gorske BC et al J Am Chem Soc 2007 Jul 25 129 (29) :8928-9 http://www.f1000biology.com/article/id/1088560/evaluation)

“Tuning Peptoid Secondary Structure with Pentafluoroaromatic Functionality: A New Design Paradigm for the Construction of Discretely Folded Peptoid Structures.” Gorske, B. C.; Blackwell, H. E. J. Am. Chem. Soc.2006, 128, 14378-14387.

Highlighted as a Tech Advance by Faculty of 1000 Biology (Faculty of 1000 Biology: evaluations for Gorske BC & Blackwell HE J Am Chem Soc 2006 Nov 8 128 (44) :14378-87 http://www.f1000biology.com/article/id/1050425/evaluation)

“Interception of Quorum Sensing in Staphylococcus aureus: A New Niche for Peptidomimetics.” Gorske, B. C.; Blackwell, H. E. Org. Biomol. Chem. 2006, 4, 1441-1445.

“N-[1-(Pentafluorophenyl)ethyl]acetamide.” Guzei, I. A.; Gorske, B. C.; Blackwell, H. E. Acta Crystallogr., Sect. C: Cryst. Struct. Commun. 2006, 62, o286-o288.

“Expedient Synthesis and Design Strategies for New Peptoid Construction.” Gorske, B. C.; Jewell, S. A.; Guerard, E. J.; Blackwell, H. E. Org. Lett. 2005, 7, 1521-1524.