Thomas W. Bell

Thomas W. Bell is a Professor in the Department of Molecular Biosciences at the University of Nevada, Reno, with a focus on medicinal chemistry and drug discovery. His research group develops small molecules targeting protein translation and degradation pathways for diseases like HIV, cancer, and autoimmune disorders.

• Education
• Ph.D., University College, University of London (F. Sondheimer), 1980
• B.S., California Institute of Technology, 1974
• NIH Postdoctoral Fellow, Cornell University (J. Meinwald), 1980-1982

His work centers on cyclotriazadisulfonamide (CADA) compounds, initially developed for HIV by targeting the CD4 receptor, now expanded to treat cancer, Graves’ disease, and viral infections like SARS-CoV-2. Key methodologies include organic synthesis, molecular modeling, and proteomics to understand co-translational protein degradation mechanisms. Recent studies explore applications in malaria, substance use disorder, and preterm labor therapies.

CADA derivatives show broad utility in protein-specific degradation, with trends in publications emphasizing HIV therapy, ER translocation inhibition, and multi-disease targeting. Collaborations span virology, oncology, and pharmacology disciplines.

• Scientific Awards
• NIH Postdoctoral Fellow (1980-1982)
• AAAS Fellow (1995-present)
• Korean Chemical Society Plaque of Appreciation (2002)
• UNR College of Science Senior Scholar Mentor (2006)
• UNR College of Science Westfall Scholar Mentor (2016)
• UNR Foundation Established Innovator Award (2018)
• UNR Outstanding Researcher Award (2021)