UCLA

Physical Chemistry Seminar 228: Professor Michael Zuerch
2024-04-08 16:00 - 17:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Collaboratory Yoo Seminar & Conference Hall YH4222

Special Biochemistry Seminar: Prof. Steffen Lindert
2024-04-09 11:00 - 12:00 | Collaboratory Yoo Seminar & Conference Hall YH4222
Flyer: Prof. Steffen Lindert Flyer
Title: Using Computers to Derive Protein Structure from Sparse Data – A Case Study for Mass Spectrometry
Abstract: Mass spectrometry-based methods such as covalent labeling, surface induced dissociation (SID) or ion mobility (IM) are increasingly used to obtain information about protein structure. However, in contrast to other high-resolution structure determination methods, this information is not sufficient to deduce all atom coordinates and can only inform on certain elements of structure, such as solvent exposure of individual residues, properties of protein-protein interfaces or protein shape. Computational methods are needed to predict high-resolution protein structures from the mass spectrometry (MS) data. Our group develops algorithms within the Rosetta software package that use mass spectrometry data to guide protein structure prediction. These algorithms can incorporate several different types of mass spectrometry data, such as covalent labeling, surface induced dissociation, and ion mobility. We developed scoring functions that assess the agreement of residue exposure with covalent labeling data, the agreement of protein-protein interface energies with SID data and the agreement of protein model shapes with collision cross section (CCS) IM measurements. We subsequently rescored Rosetta models generated with de novo protein folding and protein-protein docking and we were able to accurately predict protein structure from MS labeling, SID and IM data. Future work is focusing on developing custom machine learning models to predict protein structure from MS data.

Jeffrey I. Zink Inorganic Chemistry Seminar Series – Prof. Guosong Hong
2024-04-10 16:00 - 17:00
Flyer: Prof. Guosong Hong Flyer
Title: Seeing the Sound: An Ultrasound-Mediated Intravascular Light Source Enabled by Mechanoluminescent Materials
Abstract: Light is used in a wide range of methods in chemistry, biology, and medicine, fluorescence imaging, optogenetics, photoactivatable gene editing, light-controlled immunotherapy, and photochemotherapy for treating cancers and viral infections. A critical challenge for all light-based methods in live biological tissues arises from the poor penetration of photons, largely due to scattering and absorption. This limitation frequently necessitates invasive procedures, such as physical sectioning of the tissue, insertion of optical fibers and endoscopes, as well as surgical removal of overlying tissues (e.g., craniotomy). To address these challenges, our lab has developed an ultrasound-mediated intravascular light source, leveraging the deep-tissue penetration of focused ultrasound. We capitalized on mechanoluminescent nanotransducers (MLNTs), which are colloidal nanoparticles of mechanoluminescent materials synthesized via a biomineral-inspired suppressed dissolution approach. These MLNTs can be delivered intravenously into blood circulation and emit light locally at the ultrasound focus. Owing to the deep penetration and fast temporal kinetics of ultrasound, we have demonstrated that this method can produce on-demand and dynamically programmable light emission patterns at elevated depths in different organs of live mice with millisecond precision. This ultrasound-mediated intravascular light source has allowed us to perform noninvasive “sono-optogenetic” neuromodulation in live mice, as well as brain-wide “scanning optogenetics” that activate different brain regions of the same mouse brain. I will conclude my talk by presenting an outlook on how advances in photonic materials may facilitate the development of next-generation brain-machine interfaces.

Houk-Jung Organic Colloquium 247: Julian West
2024-04-11 16:00 - 17:00 | Collaboratory Yoo Seminar & Conference Hall YH4222
West Flyer
A Radical Approach to Organic Chemistry
Abstract: Synthetic chemists need ever better tools to synthesize the molecules of modern life, from life-changing pharmaceuticals to next generation materials. Further, there is increasing need for these transformations to be both step and atom efficient and sustainable, proceeding under mild conditions using earth abundant elements. Here we show how employing open shell intermediates strategically allows for challenging transformations to be achieved directly, from alkene difunctionalization to carboxylic acid deletion. Importantly, these reactions make use of earth abundant elements and proceed under mild conditions, with many being driven by light. Together, our studies demonstrate the versatility of radical reactions to achieve challenging disconnections that are sustainable and environmentally-responsible.

Dickerson Biochemistry Seminar – Stephen Jamieson (The University of Auckland)
2024-04-12 15:30 - 16:30 | Collaboratory Yoo Seminar & Conference Hall YH4222

Physical Chemistry Seminar 228: Professor James Rondinelli
2024-04-15 16:00 - 17:00 | Collaboratory Yoo Seminar & Conference Hall YH4222

Jeffrey I. Zink Inorganic Chemistry Seminar Series – Prof. Jarad Mason
2024-04-17 16:00 - 17:00 | Collaboratory Yoo Seminar & Conference Hall YH4222
Flyer: Prof. Jarad Mason Flyer
Title: Manipulating Phase Transitions and Porosity: From Solid Refrigerants to Microporous Water
Abstract: Materials that undergo phase transitions in response to specific stimuli and that contain pores tailored to interact with specific guest molecules offer unique opportunities for addressing many important global challenges. Here, I will describe two recent examples of how phase-change materials and microporous materials can be leveraged for a range of energy and biomedical applications, including sustainable heat pumps, electrocatalysis, organ preservation, bioreactors, and in vivo gas delivery. First, I will discuss how hydrocarbon order–disorder phase transitions in layered organic and metal–organic materials can be manipulated to drive large barocaloric effects—thermal changes induced by hydrostatic pressure—in a new class of solid refrigerants. Second, I will describe a new approach to transporting gas molecules in aqueous solutions that overcomes limitations associated with the low solubility of nearly all gases in water. Specifically, I will show how aqueous solutions of microporous nanocrystals can be designed with low viscosities, long-term colloidal stability, and micropores that remain permanently dry even when surrounded by liquid water. This allows high densities of gas molecules, including oxygen, to be stored and released within aqueous environments.

Houk-Jung Organic Colloquium 247: Tianning Diao
2024-04-18 16:00 - 17:00 | Collaboratory Yoo Seminar & Conference Hall YH4222
Leveraging One- and Two-Electron Mechanisms in Nickel-Catalyzed Cross-Coupling
Abstract: While palladium-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions have revolutionized the construction of multi-aryl scaffolds in pharmaceutical synthesis, the reactivity of nickel in mediating radical pathways has expanded the scope of cross-coupling to include various alkyl motifs. Through our mechanistic investigations and an understanding of ligand effects, we established that strong -donor and -acceptor ligands, with redox activity, facilitate nickel catalysts to initiate radical formation, capture radicals, and direct bond formation from open-shell intermediates. Given the orthogonal reactivity of radicals with polar functional groups in biomolecules, these radical pathways have introduced innovative methods for synthesizing non-canonical peptides and carbohydrates, important for drug discovery. In contrast, two-electron pathways are crucial for nickel-catalyzed bi-aryl coupling. Building on this insight, we developed a novel ligand that enhances the reactivity of nickel-catalyzed Suzuki-Miyaura couplings, paving the way for the application of nickel catalysts in pharmaceutical process synthesis.
Diao Flyer

Physical Chemistry Seminar 228: Professor Jonathan Hood
2024-04-22 16:00 - 17:00 | Collaboratory Yoo Seminar & Conference Hall YH4222

The Chemistry of Compelling Communication - Dr. Wendy Young
2024-04-23 13:30 - 15:30 | Collaboratory Yoo Seminar & Conference Hall YH4222
Fran Zone brings us her first “Compelling Communicator” with Dr Wendy Young on Tuesday, April 23rd 2024, 1:30-3:30pm in Dongwon Yoo Seminar & Conference Hall (YH4222)
Refreshments and Reception to Follow
RSVP Today!
UCLA April 2024 Flyer
Dr Wendy Young
Dr. Wendy Young is a Drug Hunter whose career in drug discovery includes leadership roles in biopharma, publishing, government and venture capital. Her career in drug discovery includes serving as the first woman to lead Small Molecule Discovery at Genentech and playing a significant role in building their small molecule division from the ground up. In 2019, she was named one of the “Top Twenty Extraordinary Women in Biopharma” by Endpoint News. Dr. Young is also the recipient of the 2020 ACS National Earl Barnes Award, which recognizes outstanding achievements in chemical research management. She is a popular keynote speaker at symposiums around the world.

Fran Zone
Fran Zone is the creator of The Zone Method™, a proven communication tool for being compelling, memorable, and concise while navigating through life and career. Fran is a communication expert and message strategist whose career path includes being an award-winning radio and television news producer, instructor at UC Berkeley, and a message strategy coach to Fortune 100 executives. Her clients include scientists, engineers, drug hunters, and top leaders in the Biotech arena.

Chem 263 Seminars in Chemical Biology - Prof. John Pezacki
2024-04-23 16:00 - 17:30 | Collaboratory Yoo Seminar & Conference Hall YH4222

Chemistry for a Healthy World
2024-04-24 17:00 - 21:00 | CNSI Auditorium
Miguel García-Garibay
Senior Dean, UCLA College
Dean, Division of Physical Sciences
cordially invites you to attend a symposium on
Chemistry for a Healthy World
Wednesday, April 24, 2024
5:00 p.m. Reception
6:00 p.m. Presentations
CNSI Lobby and Auditorium
UCLA Campus
The UCLA Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry are pleased to present “Chemistry for a Healthy World.” This event aims to reveal the current trends, recent advances and new approaches in Medicinal Chemistry and Biochemistry related to human health. This is a great opportunity to learn about research being conducted by UCLA faculty and to participate in discussions and presentations by leading experts about new advances and innovations in the field.
Join us for presentations and a panel discussion with
Michael E. Jung
Distinguished Professor, Walter and Shirley Wang Endowed Chair in Medicinal Drug Discovery
“Drug Discovery in Academia: Some Success Stories”
Heather Maynard
Professor, Dr. Myung Ki Hong Endowed Chair in Polymer Science
“Responsive Medicines for Diabetes and Pain”
Ellen Sletten
Associate Professor
“Illuminating the Body”
Stuart Conway
Professor, Michael and Alice Jung Endowed Chair in Medicinal Chemistry and Drug Discovery
“Using Chemistry to Target Cancer”
RSVP – join us in person
Self-parking available in Structure 2
Public transit to UCLA

Chem 218 Student Exit Seminar: Quynh Duong
2024-04-25 12:00 - 13:00 | Collaboratory Yoo Seminar & Conference Hall YH4222

Houk-Jung Organic Colloquium 247: Timothy Cernak
2024-04-25 16:00 - 17:00 | Collaboratory Yoo Seminar & Conference Hall YH4222
Combinatorial Explosion: From Atom-Bond Arrangements to Exotic Diseases
Abstract: Chemical synthesis and data science are two fields that operate in synergy. Molecules and the routes to synthesize them are easily represented as graphs while automated chemical synthesis strategies allow more and more synthesis data to be captured, for instance to feed machine learning algorithms. This talk will detail our work in this area focused on a new class of amine-acid cross coupling reactions, and the computer-assisted synthesis of drugs and natural products. We have been exploring the breadth of all reactions that could exist, navigating combinatorial explosions of virtual and plausible reaction methods, routes to complex molecules, and the interconnectedness of reaction conditions, transformations, and biological functions. Our agnostic view of reactions and their mechanisms has recently extended to diseases, with a focus on One Health.

Cernak Flyer

Dickerson Biochemistry Seminar Series - Noe Rodriguez and Alexandra Turmon Midstream Presentation
2024-04-26 15:30 - 16:30 | Collaboratory Yoo Seminar & Conference Hall YH4222
Noe Rodriguez (Gelbart Group)
Alexandra Turmon (Backus Group)

Jeffrey I. Zink Inorganic Chemistry Seminar Series – Prof. Piotr Kaszyński
2024-04-29 14:00 - 15:00 | Collaboratory Yoo Seminar & Conference Hall YH4222
Flyer: Prof. Piotr Kaszyński Flyer
Title: Closo-Boranes: Unique Structural Elements for Functional Materials
Abstract: closo-Boranes are inorganic 3-D sigma aromatic compounds with steric and electronic properties attractive for designing multifunctional materials. Earlier work demonstrated that 10- and 12-vertex p-carboranes are suitable building blocks for liquid crystals. Anionic closo-carbaborates have been used to design highly polar materials for LCD applications and ionic self-organizing electrolytes for battery applications. The high-lying HOMO of the decaborate dianion [closo-B 10 H 10 ] 2- has been exploited in the design of materials exhibiting photo-induced intra- and inter-molecular charge transfer processes. The synthesis of these new materials has required the development of new
functionalization methods. For example, phenyliodination activates B-H bonds towards
highly regioselective nucleophilic substitution.

Chem 263 Seminars In Chemical Biology - Prof. Fleur Ferguson
2024-04-30 16:00 - 17:30 | Collaboratory Yoo Seminar & Conference Hall YH4222

Jeffrey I. Zink Inorganic Chemistry Seminar Series – Prof. Zednek Sofer
2024-05-01 16:00 - 17:00 | Collaboratory Yoo Seminar & Conference Hall YH4222
Flyer: Prof. Zdenek Sofer Flyer
Title: 2D Magnets and Dielectrics
Abstract: The recent progress in methods of high quality and low defect 2D magnetic materials will be discussed. Beside the group of transition metal halides and chalcogens also the rapidly growth family of mixed halogen-chalcogenides will be introduced. The dominantly explored material, chromium sulfo-bromide adopt FeOCl structure and possess A type antiferromagnetic ordering at low temperature. By various methods of exfoliation or defect formation, this material can be converted to ferromagnetic state. The chemistry of CrSBr including doping and possible covalent and non-covalent functionalization and its effect on magnetic and optical properties will be presented together with possible applications in electronic devices.
Beside the two dimensional magnets, the 2D dielectric exhibit important group of materials with crucial rule in device fabrication. The broad spectra of novel high-k 2D dielectric materials growth and applications will be presented together with large scale crystal growth of hexagonal boron nitride at atmospheric pressure using various metal flux.

Chem 218 Student Exit Seminar: Xuanheng Tan
2024-05-02 12:00 - 13:00 | Collaboratory Yoo Seminar & Conference Hall YH4222

Houk-Jung Organic Colloquium 247: Christopher Uyeda
2024-05-02 16:00 - 17:00 | Collaboratory Yoo Seminar & Conference Hall YH4222

Mautner-Perkins Department Scientific Lecture
2024-05-06 12:00 - 13:00 | Collaboratory Yoo Seminar & Conference Hall YH4222
Mautner-Perkins Lecture Flyer
Reticular Chemistry and ChatGPT
Abstract: Our recent work on digitalization of reticular chemistry will be reported. We have been experimenting with ChatGPT and machine learning in the discovery of new MOFs for clean air, water, and energy applications.

Special Chemistry Seminar: Professor Michael Reppert
2024-05-06 14:00 - 15:00 | Collaboratory Yoo Seminar & Conference Hall YH4222

Physical Chemistry Seminar 228: Professor Victor Batista
2024-05-06 16:00 - 17:00 | Collaboratory Yoo Seminar & Conference Hall YH4222

Chem 263 Seminars In Chemical Biology - Michael Bollong
2024-05-07 16:00 - 17:30 | Collaboratory Yoo Seminar & Conference Hall YH4222

Mautner-Perkins Public Lecture
2024-05-07 16:30 - 18:30 | CNSI Auditorium
Mautner2024_Poster
Title: Water Harvesting from Desert Air
Reception at 4:30 pm
Lecture at 5:30 pm
The lecture will be followed by the presentation of 2024 Mautner Perkins Graduate Awards
Questions? Contact College Events, CollegeEvents@support.ucla.edu
Please RSVP here

Jeffrey I. Zink Inorganic Chemistry Seminar Series – Prof. Aleksandr Zhukhovitskiy
2024-05-08 16:00 - 17:30 | Collaboratory Yoo Seminar & Conference Hall YH4222
Flyer:Prof. Alex Zhukhovitskiy Flyer
Title: Advancing Inorganic Methods for Polymer Synthesis, Modification, and Degradation
Abstract: The polymer backbone is fundamental to the polymer’s identity and properties. My seminar will focus on the development of metathesis mechanisms to access heteroatom-rich polymer backbones, new editing tools to transform existing polymer backbones into different ones, and both strategies and tactics to depolymerize commodity polymeric materials into valuable small molecules. Specifically, I will discuss iridium-guanidinate catalyzed ring-opening metathesis of cyclic carbodiimides and the current directions toward diazene metathesis, as well as an array of transformations—including C-H amination using sulfur-based reagents—applied to edit the backbones of polymers. Besides the focus on polymer backbones, retrosynthetic logic applied to polymeric materials will be another common thread woven throughout this seminar, as it is a central element of the research in the Zhukhovitskiy group.

Chem 218 Student Exit Seminar: Ken Mei
2024-05-09 12:00 - 13:00 | Collaboratory Yoo Seminar & Conference Hall YH4222

Houk-Jung Organic Colloquium 247: Prof. László Kürti
2024-05-09 16:00 - 17:00 | Collaboratory Yoo Seminar & Conference Hall YH4222
Advances In the Synthesis And Application Of Strained-Ring Compounds: Catalytic & Stoichiometric Approaches
Abstract: “The synthesis of highly substituted and strained nitrogenous molecules remains a challenging task since installing substituents on small ring systems gets increasingly difficult as the degree of substitution increases. Similarly, it is difficult to install nitrogen bridges onto highly substituted and electronically diverse unsaturated systems. In this presentation a number of synthetic routes to these valuable nitrogenous building blocks will be discussed: (1) The direct and stereospecific synthesis of N-H- and N-alkyl aziridines from unactivated olefins using both transition metal-catalyzed and organocatalytic approaches that proceed through very different N-transfer processes; (2) Fully-substituted N-acyl aziridines are produced in one-pot by the reaction of N-electrophilic iminomalonates with ketone enolates – this transformation is in essence an aza-quasi-Favorskii rearrangement reaction which proceeds via a 1,2-attack followed by a low-barrier intramolecular nitrenoid-insertion into a C-C bond and (3) Structurally diverse spiro N-H azetidines are formed in a single step during the Ti(IV)-mediated reaction between oxime ethers and alkyl-Grignard reagents or via a ligand-exchange process using terminal olefins – the overall transformation proceeds via a Kulinkovich-type mechanism: a titanacyclopropane intermediate is formed and serves as a 1,2- dialkyl anion equivalent, inserting into the 1,2-dielectrophilc oxime ether substrate to ultimately give rise to the desired N-heterocyclic four-membered ring.
Kurti Flyer

Dickerson Biochemistry Seminar Series - Angel Arce and Thomas Underwood Midstream Presentation
2024-05-10 15:30 - 16:30 | Collaboratory Yoo Seminar & Conference Hall YH4222
Angel Arce (Chanfreau Group)
Thomas Underwood (Wollman Group)

Special Chemistry Seminar: Professor David Leibrandt
2024-05-13 12:00 - 13:00 | Collaboratory Yoo Seminar & Conference Hall YH4222
