Rokach's research will focus on the enzymatic reaction of 5-hydroxyeicosanoid dehydrogenase in certain types of white blood cells, or leukocytes, which contributes to such diseases as asthma, inflammatory bowel disease and psoriasis. The research will center on the design and synthesis of radio- and photo-affinity ligand molecules that can bind to the enzyme catalytic cavity. Such molecules, when irradiated with ultraviolet light, become permanently bound to the disease-causing enzyme but not to other proteins. When the enzyme is radioactively labeled, it is possible to isolate and determine its structure.
Rokach has received worldwide recognition for the first syntheses of major inflammatory mediators such as leukotrienes and lipoxins, which are responsible for allergies affecting the lungs and nose. The availability of these synthetic mediators has opened the field to medical research in the areas of allergy and inflammation. Among his other accomplishments, Rokach was responsible for the development of the drug "Singulair", a leukotriene-D4 antagonist, used by millions of allergy sufferers for the relief of asthma and rhinitis symptoms.
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Contact: Jay Wilson
jowilson@fit.edu
321-674-6218
Florida Institute of Technology
12-Sep-2005