The efficient transport of anions (negatively charged atoms or molecules) across cell membranes is a process that is crucial for the proper functioning of a cell. Anion transport is responsible for the regulation of cell pH, maintaining cell volume, chemical signalling and several other essential cellular processes. Consequently, defective anion transport can give rise to a number of diseases.

Among these is cystic fibrosis (CF), a life-shortening disease which causes extensive damage to the lungs and digestive system. Despite improvements in the management of CF in recent years, there is still currently no cure and most patients will eventually require a lung transplant. There is therefore an urgent need for the development of novel and more effective treatments.

CF is attributed to a mutation in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) protein, a membrane-bound protein that mediates the transport of chloride anions within cells. Thus in patients with CF, this faulty protein can no longer function properly which causes disruptions in chloride transport and the characteristic symptoms of CF.

An interesting approach to treating CF would be to design a molecule that can mimic the function of the CFTR protein. If a molecule could bind chloride, transport it across a cell membrane and release it on the other side, then this could effectively compensate for the missing activity of CFTR observed in CF patients. My project is concerned with the design and synthesis of such a molecule.

These ‘synthetic anion transporters’ require a specific arrangement of atoms within the molecule to allow chloride anions to be bound selectively, reversibly and strongly enough such that they can be extracted from water. Furthermore, these groups must be appended to a scaffold that promotes mobility across a cell membrane.

My research is focused on the development of a range of different transporters based on a variety of scaffolds. It is anticipated that by making small structural modifications to these molecules, the properties of the transporter can be optimised to the extent that they are potent enough for medical applications.