معرفی
William J. Chain is an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry at the University of Delaware within the College of Arts & Sciences. He joined the University of Delaware in 2015 after serving as an Assistant Professor at the University of Hawaii at Manoa from 2009-2015. His research group maintains active collaborations with cancer biologists to develop novel synthetic approaches for complex natural products with therapeutic potential, particularly anti-cancer compounds. The laboratory operates from rooms 022/024 in the Lammot du Pont Laboratory and maintains strong connections with industry partners.
- B.S., Pennsylvania State University, 2001
- A.M., Harvard University, 2003
- Ph.D., Harvard University (Advisor: A. G. Myers), 2006
- Postdoctoral Fellow, Princeton University (Advisor: E. J. Sorensen), 2006-2009
Dr. Chain's research spans two primary interconnected areas: the total synthesis of complex natural products with anti-cancer activity and the development of novel synthetic methodologies focusing on aromatic systems. His group achieved significant recognition for their eight-step synthesis of englerin A, a guaiane sesquiterpene with potent renal cancer inhibitory properties. Current targets include psiguadial A (with a novel 7-5-7 oxatricyclic ring system), premnalatifolin A (a dimeric icetexane terpenoid), and various grandilodine alkaloids. Methodologically, his lab pioneered reactions involving ortho-quinone methides and developed innovative metal-free functionalization techniques for anilines through temporary oxidation strategies that invert normal reactivity patterns.
Dr. Chain's recent publications (2021-2025) demonstrate an evolution from fundamental methodology development toward biological application, with increasing emphasis on electrochemical techniques for sustainable synthesis. His work on psiguadial A represents cutting-edge asymmetric synthesis of complex meroterpenoids, while his englerin derivative research explores structure-activity relationships to optimize anti-cancer properties and reduce toxicity. The research trajectory clearly moves from novel bond-forming processes to therapeutic applications, particularly in renal and other cancer types.
Dr. Chain's research impact is evident through publications in high-impact journals including Journal of the American Chemical Society, Organic Letters, and PLoS ONE. His work on englerin A synthesis and mechanism has been particularly influential in both synthetic and cancer biology communities.
Dr. Chain currently mentors five graduate students (Liam O'Grady, Leah White, Nicole Kretekos, Kyle Hess, and Shelby Cooper) and has successfully guided numerous Ph.D. candidates to completion, many of whom secured prestigious postdoctoral positions at MIT, Princeton, and Memorial Sloan Kettering. His research program is supported by grants focused on natural product synthesis and methodology development with therapeutic applications, including collaborations with cancer biologists for structure-function and target identification studies.
The Chain Research Group operates as a dynamic team of graduate students, undergraduate researchers, and occasional postdoctoral fellows, maintaining strong collaborative relationships with cancer biology laboratories. The group's work bridges synthetic organic chemistry with therapeutic development, particularly in the area of cancer treatment, with ongoing projects exploring new synthetic methods and their application to biologically active natural products.
