Objective It is proposed to develop a new class of Diels-Alder reaction involving cycloaddition of electron-rich alkoxy-substituted 1, 3-dienes with alkymyl-suJlones. This kind of reaction will be investigated in both inter- and intramolecular modes. In the first part, it is intended to apply this methodology to the synthesis of tether molecules for covalent cross-linking of oligopeptide sequences via the N-termini. It is proposed that these rigidly-oriented peptide sequences will have the requisite geometry to inhibit competitively the homodimerisation of the two domains of HIV-1 protease enzyme. It is this dimerisation which creates the enzyme active site and the catalytic activity essential for the virus replication cycle. In the second phase of the work it is proposed also to explore the potential of the intramolecular variant of this novel pairing of diene and dienophile for the assembly of the key A-ring sub-unit of the taxol family of potent anti-cancer compounds exemplified by the parent taxol and analogues such as taxotere. Fields of science natural sciencesbiological sciencesmicrobiologyvirologynatural sciencesmathematicspure mathematicsgeometrynatural sciencesbiological sciencesbiochemistrybiomoleculesproteinsenzymes Programme(s) FP4-TMR - Specific research and technological development programme in the field of the training and mobility of researchers, 1994-1998 Topic(s) 0302 - Post-doctoral research training grants TC01 - Synthesis, New Molecules and Methods Call for proposal Data not available Funding Scheme RGI - Research grants (individual fellowships) Coordinator IMPERIAL COLLEGE OF SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND MEDICINE EU contribution No data Address SOUTH KENSINGTON SW7 2AZ LONDON United Kingdom See on map Total cost No data Participants (1) Sort alphabetically Sort by EU Contribution Expand all Collapse all Not available Spain EU contribution No data Address See on map Total cost No data