James Jun Wen

Title: Innovations in Cyclic Peptide Synthesis by James Jun Wen

Introduction

James Jun Wen is an accomplished inventor based in Louisville, KY (US). He has made significant contributions to the field of peptide synthesis, particularly through his innovative methods for preparing cyclic peptide mixtures. His work is instrumental in advancing research in various applications, including drug discovery and molecular biology.

Latest Patents

James Jun Wen holds a patent for a method titled "Cyclic peptide mixtures via side chain or backbone attachment and solid phase synthesis." This patent describes a novel approach to preparing cyclic peptide mixtures that are useful for screening purposes. The method involves the attachment of an amino acid to a solid support through its side chain or backbone, mimicking solution cyclization procedures with linear peptides. The preferred embodiment utilizes Boc chemistry for peptide synthesis, where a trifunctional amino acid is initially attached by the aspartyl side chain. Cyclization is achieved using uronium reagents with racemization suppressants, and a strong acid (HF) is employed for deprotection and cleavage. This strategy allows for the preparation of a series of cyclic peptide mixtures, expandable to include at least twenty different amino acids at each position, with ring sizes varying from about four to twelve residues.

Career Highlights

James Jun Wen is affiliated with the University of Louisville Research Foundation, Inc., where he continues to explore innovative methodologies in peptide synthesis. His work has garnered attention for its potential applications in various scientific fields.

Collaborations

James has collaborated with notable colleagues, including Arno F Spatola and Krzysztof Darlak, contributing to the advancement of peptide research and synthesis techniques.

Conclusion

James Jun Wen's innovative approach to cyclic peptide synthesis represents a significant advancement in the field. His contributions are paving the way for new discoveries and applications in molecular biology and drug development.