Department of Cell and Cancer Biology

Qingbin (Tim) Cui, Ph.D.

Research Assistant Professor
qingbin.cui@utoledo.edu

EDUCATION:

• B.S. - 2008 - Pharmacy
  Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
• Ph.D. - 2014 - Medicinal Chemistry
  Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China

RESEARCH INTERESTS:

My research interests are in Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacology. I am currently working on three projects: 

1. ​Design, synthesis, and preclinical investigation of small-molecule survivin inhibitors for prostate cancer (PCa).
   Survivin is the smallest member of the inhibitor of apoptosis protein (IAP) family, and it has been validated to promote the progression of PCa and drug resistance. In this project, a series of rationally designed survivin inhibitors will be synthesized and investigated in vitro and in vivo to obtain a potential drug candidate for PCa treatment. 
2. Design and synthesis of fatty acid synthase (FASN) inhibitors for triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). 
   FASN is the sole enzyme that guards the de novo palmitate synthesis in cells. FASN is found to be harnessed by TNBC cells and has been associated with drug resistance. Previously, we found that proton pump inhibitor (PPI) lansoprazole can target FASN and suppress TNBC. To improve the effectiveness, a series of lansoprazole analogs will be synthesized and tested in TNBC. 
3. Development of chemical probes. 
   Design and synthesis of multifunctional probes, e.g., PROTACs, and ferroptosis inducers, that can assist in solving certain biological conundrums. 

PUBLICATIONS:
   

FUNDING:
No funding

STUDENT OPENINGS:  Not accepting students