Justin Ragains received his B.S. in 2000 from Ball State University. His undergraduate research in the laboratory of Mohammad Behforouz involved the synthesis of lavendamycin analogs. He completed his Ph.D. in 2006 under the supervision of Jeffrey D. Winkler at the University of Pennsylvania where his research involved the development of [2+2] photocycloadditions of vinylogous amides with olefins. From 2006-2010, he worked as a research associate with Jon Clardy (Harvard Medical School) and Ralph Mazitschek (Center for Systems Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital) performing research in chemical biology. Justin has been an assistant professor at LSU since August of 2010. His research interests include the development of methods for the synthesis of natural and nonnatural products and the synthesis of small molecules for the study of biological function.
Research in our laboratory addresses problems ranging from the chemical to the biological sciences. We are using organic synthesis as a means for accessing complex structure and as a means for providing small molecules for the study of biological function.
Chemical Genetic Studies of Chemosensation in the Model Organism Caenorhabditis elegans
We are engaged in studies aimed at elucidating the function of a series of small molecule metabolites of the model nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. C. elegans biosynthesizes a series of metabolites known as ascarosides and in turn uses them to regulate a number of aspects of its own development and behavior. We will synthesize a series of ascarosides (as well as analogs and conjugates to photoaffinity labels and fluorophores). Study of the action of these molecules on C. elegans (in collaboration with the laboratory of Rebecca Butcher at the University of Florida) will provide a number of helpful insights into the processes governing biochemical signal transduction, olfaction and the hormonal regulation of development and behavior in C. elegans and higher organisms.
Synthesis of Natural and Non-Natural Products Utilizing Photochemical Arylation as a Key Transformation
We are interested in the development of photochemical transformations for the generation of complex organic structures. To this end, we are pursuing the development of photochemical arylation as a major complexity-forming step in the synthesis of a series of heterocycles and biologically active natural products. These syntheses will be short, atom-economical and will avoid the use of metal catalysts and protecting groups.
Butcher, R.A.; Ragains, J.R.; Clardy, J. “An Indole-Containing Dauer Pheromone Component with Unusual Dauer Inhibitory Activity at Higher Concentrations”. Org. Lett. 2009, 11(14), 3100-3103.
Butcher, R.A.; Ragains, J.R.; Ruvkun, G.; Clardy, J.; Mak, H.Y. “Biosynthesis of the Caenorhabditis elegans Dauer Pheromone”. Proc. Nat. Acad. Sci., USA. 2009, 106(6), 1875-1879.
Ragains, J.R.; Winkler, J.D. “Pseudosymmetry in Azabicyclo[2.1.1]hexanes. A Stereoselective Construction of the Bicyclic Core of Peduncularine”. Org. Lett. 2006, 8(20), 4437-4440.
Winkler, J.D.; Ragains, J.R. “Intramolecular Photoaddition of Vinylogous Amides with Allenes: A Novel Approach to the Synthesis of Pyrroles”. Org. Lett. 2006, 8(18), 4031-4033.
Winkler, J.D.; Londregan, A.T.; Ragains, J.R. “Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Manzamine Analogues”. Org. Lett. 2006, 8(15), 3407-3409.