The MJA Lab is a chemistry research laboratory based at Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University) in Toronto, ON, Canada. Work in the MJA Lab revolves around organic synthesis, which is the construction of carbon-based molecules. We are broadly interested in the creation of interesting and functional novel molecules. The compounds we design, make, and study are useful for various applications, including as catalysts/reagents for organic synthesis and as bioactive/biotool molecules.
The MJA Lab is actively seeking PhD and MSc students. We are a diverse and inclusive research group and we work together to foster a supportive, welcoming, and intellectually challenging environment.
The MJA Lab, Summer 2022 L to R - Rebecca Yan, Andy Baterdene, Melissa D’Amaral, Ali Yaghoubian, Jada Wright, Taj Seaton, Stanley Vasconcelos, Queency Rosario, MJA, Vanessa Ruscetta, Fawwaz Azam, David Raveenthrarajan, Luke McCall, Clive Boateng (Missing: Walaa Bedewy, John Mulawka, Breanna Seto)
Current Research Interests
silanes in organic synthesis
Organosilanes are functional molecules used synthetically as hydride- and carbon-transferring reagents. While a vast array of synthetic methodologies exploiting their utility have been explored, their practical use has been hampered by the fact that reagents are either difficult to handle or require expensive and/or dangerous additives. The MJA Lab has demonstrated that hydrosilatrane is an inexpensive, green, versatile, and easy-to-handle reducing agent. Further methods revolving around silatrane analogs and other silane reagents and catalysts are currently being explored.
design and synthesis of covalent inhibitors
The MJA Lab is developing (through design, synthesis, and biological application) novel covalent protein binders as potential drugs. Biological targets of interest include both enzyme active sites and protein-protein interactions related to cancers or neurodegenerative diseases. A main focus of the group is on developing a novel platform for covalent inhibitors; we also seek to transform known weak binders into much more efficacious covalent binders.
