Breadcrumb

Genbin Shi, Ph.D.

Genbin Shi, Ph.D.

  • Center for Cancer Research
  • National Cancer Institute

RESEARCH SUMMARY

Dr. Shi's current research focuses on the inhibitor design and synthesis of 6-hydroxymethyl-7,8-dihydropterin pyrophosphokinase (HPPK). HPPK catalyzes magnesium-dependent pyrophosphoryl transfer from ATP to 6-hydroxymethyl-7,8-dihydropterin.  It is a key enzyme in the folate biosynthetic pathway, essential for microorganisms but absent from mammals.  Therefore, HPPK is an attractive target for developing novel antimicrobial agents.

As Staff Scientist, Dr. Shi plays a leading role in the Section’s drug development efforts, including structure-based design and synthesis of antimicrobial, anticancer, and anti-AIDS agents. 

Areas of Expertise

Structure-based Drug Design
Structural Biology
Chemical Biology
Medicinal Chemistry
Folate Pathway

Publications

Selected Key Publications

Structural enzymology and inhibition of the bi-functional folate pathway enzyme HPPK-DHPS from the biowarfare agent Francisella tularensis

Shaw GX, Li Y, Shi G, Wu Y, Cherry S, Needle D, Zhang D, Tropea JE, Waugh DS, Yan H, Ji X.
FEBS J. 281(18): 4123-37, 2014. [ Journal Article ]

Bisubstrate analogue inhibitors of 6-hydroxymethyl-7,8-dihydropterin pyrophosphokinase: New design with improved properties

Shi G, Shaw G, Liang YH, Subburaman P, Li Y, Wu Y, Yan H, Ji X.
Bioorg Med Chem. 20(1): 47-57, 2012. [ Journal Article ]

Bisubstrate analog inhibitors of 6-hydroxymethyl-7,8-dihydropterin pyrophosphokinase: new lead exhibits a distinct binding mode

Shi G, Shaw G, Li Y, Wu Y, Yan H, Ji X.
Bioorg Med Chem. 20(14): 4303-9, 2012. [ Journal Article ]

New ways to derivatize at position 6 of 7,7-dimethyl-7,8-dihydropterin

Shi G, Ji X.
Tetrahedron Lett. 52(46): 6174-6176, 2011. [ Journal Article ]