Rate My Professor Mark Searcey

Searcey’s research in medicinal chemistry centers on designing small molecules and peptides that target DNA structures, such as four-way and three-way junctions, and protein-protein interactions for anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial applications. Key projects involve the duocarmycin family redesigned as prodrugs activated by CYP1A1 and CYP2W1, chlorofusin analogues via solid-phase synthesis, and inhibitors of interactions like p53/MDM2, Nrf2/Keap1, and PD-1/PD-L1. His publications include 'Advances in triterpene drug discovery' (Trends in Pharmacological Sciences, 2024), 'Borylation via iridium catalysed C-H activation: a new concise route to duocarmycin derivatives' (Organic & Biomolecular Chemistry, 2024), 'Light-activated azobenzene peptide inhibitor of the PD-1/PD-L1 interaction' (Chemical Communications, 2024), and 'The development of potent, competitive CXCR4 antagonists for the prevention of cancer metastasis' (Biochemical Pharmacology, 2023). Earlier seminal works feature the first crystal structure of a ligand binding to a four-way Holliday junction (Angewandte Chemie International Edition, 2007) and the initial synthesis of the chlorofusin peptide (Organic Letters, 2003). With 84 journal articles, 16 abstracts, 5 patents, and 2 book chapters, his contributions advance drug design targeting DNA and protein interfaces. Searcey serves as a member of L'Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale since 2021 and Governor of West Suffolk College from 2023 to 2027.