William Placzek

William Placzek is an Associate Professor at the University of Alabama at Birmingham in the Biochemistry & Molecular Genetics department. He also holds secondary appointments in the College of Arts and Sciences - Chemistry and School of Medicine institutions. His research focuses on biochemical mechanisms of chemoresistance, utilizing NMR spectroscopy and synthetic peptides to identify therapeutic targets.

• Degree: PhD in Molecular Biology from The Scripps Research Institute (2007)
• Postdoctoral Training: Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute (2007-2012)

Key research areas involve:

• rBH3 motif regulation of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 proteins
• Targeted inhibitors of SUMOylation enzyme Ubc9
• Peptide-based high-throughput screening assays
• Development of first-in-class peptide inhibitors

His recent publications examine metabolic vulnerabilities in renal cancer, glioblastoma sensitization through HDAC inhibition, and epigenetic mechanisms in mixed lineage leukemia. Notably, he serves as Director of Central Alabama High-Field NMR Facility and Co-Director of UAB Structural Biology Core Facility.

Teaching activities include:

• Biochemical Principles
• Enzyme Kinetics
• Student Theme Meetings
• Journal Club facilitation