The Healing Power of Chemistry: Stanford’s Pioneering Research Shaping Medicine and Human Health

In alignment with this year's ACS theme for National Chemistry Week, "The Healing Power of Chemistry," we reflect on the profound impact of the science and transformative research conducted by the Stanford Chemistry Department. The reflection centers on the scientific milestones and contemporary breakthroughs that have contributed to the evolution of healthcare and the ongoing pursuit of innovative therapeutic interventions.

Mid-20th Century Milestones: The Polio Vaccine and “The Pill”

In the mid-20th century, the corridors of Stanford University bore witness to two transformative scientific endeavors, each leaving an indelible mark on the annals of medical history.

In the early 1940s and 50s, Chemistry Professor Hubert S. Loring and his collaborator, Carlton Schwerdt of the Stanford Medical School, embarked on a groundbreaking mission: the isolation of a strain of the poliomyelitis virus. Their meticulous work led to the development of a prototype polio vaccine, a pioneering achievement that demonstrated its efficacy in rats. This seminal research not only marked a significant stride in the fight against polio but also laid the groundwork for the monumental breakthroughs that followed. It set the stage for the work of Jonas Salk and Albert Sabin, who would go on to develop the first human polio vaccine, thus ushering in a new era in the battle against this debilitating disease.

A few years later, in 1951, the landscape of reproductive health was forever altered by the work of Professor of Chemistry Carl Djerassi. Before joining the esteemed faculty at Stanford, Djerassi, during his tenure at Syntex Co. in Mexico City, synthesized and developed what would become the world's first oral contraceptive. Aptly nicknamed "The Pill," this revolutionary advancement provided women with a transformative means of family planning. Beyond this, Djerassi's scientific acumen also shone in his co-discovery of pyribenzamine, the first successful antihistamine drug, further solidifying his legacy in the realm of medicinal chemistry.

ChEM-H: A Decade of a Transformative Vision

A little over a decade ago, in 2013, the seeds of a transformative vision were sown by Chaitan Khosla, the Wells H. Rauser and Harold M. Petiprin Professor and Professor of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, and Carolyn Bertozzi, the Anne T. and Robert M. Bass Professor in the School of Humanities and Sciences and Professor of Chemistry. At that time, Bertozzi was at UC Berkeley when Khosla approached her with an ambitious endeavor – to establish an institute that would serve as a hub for diverse, interdisciplinary research. Their vision was to create a collaborative space where chemists, biologists, engineers, and clinicians could converge, fostering an environment of shared knowledge and scientific creativity. Together, as the founding directors, they launched ChEM-H, an institute that embodies the spirit of collaborative exploration and serves as a catalyst for groundbreaking research.

In the years since its inception, ChEM-H has evolved into a knowledge center that pioneers a new model of scientific research, bridging the realms of chemistry, engineering, biology, and medicine to advance human health. The institute's commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration is evident in its diverse research areas, spanning the microbiome, cancer therapeutics, cell biology, metabolism, vaccines, the immune system, cell engineering, and antibiotics and infectious diseases. Through these multifaceted initiatives, ChEM-H continues to contribute to the expanding landscape of scientific discovery, pushing the boundaries of knowledge for the betterment of human health.

Stanford Chemistry faculty with a ChEM-H affiliation and engaged in biomedical research efforts include: Steven Banik, Carolyn Bertozzi, Steven Boxer, Lynette Cegelski, Laura Dassama, Justin Du Bois, Chaitan Khosla, Eric Kool, and Paul Wender.

Faculty Spotlight on Pioneering Research

Stanford Chemistry Faculty: Laura Dassama, Lynette Cegelski, Chaitan Khosla, Carolyn Bertozzi, and Steven Banik (L to R)

Chaitan Khosla

Chaitan Khosla draws inspiration from nature's ingenuity in his pursuit of developing novel antibiotics. Focusing on polyketide synthases - a molecular assembly line responsible for crafting antibiotics like erythromycin - Khosla aims to unravel the remarkable precision with which these synthases operate. Despite the inherent complexity of polyketide molecules, these assembly lines exhibit an impressive ability to consistently produce them with minimal errors. Khosla envisions that a comprehensive understanding of the workings of these assembly lines will empower scientists to engineer new antibiotics with enhanced efficacy against some of humanity's most formidable pathogens.

Carolyn Bertozzi

Carolyn Bertozzi, a pioneer in bioorthogonal chemistry, has been honored with the prestigious 2022 Nobel Prize in Chemistry. Early in her exploration of the intricate world of sugars, Bertozzi encountered a formidable obstacle: the lack of suitable tools for their study. Seeking a method to seamlessly attach labels and track these sugars, she pioneered bioorthogonal chemistry - a collection of chemical reactions capable of unfolding within living cells without perturbing their natural functions.

Lynette Cegelski

Lynette Cegelski's research focuses on unraveling the intricate architecture and roles of bacterial cell walls and extracellular structures, including the study of amyloid fibers and biofilms. At the forefront of the Cegelski Lab's endeavors is a commitment to translating their discoveries into actionable therapeutic strategies. Their pioneering work has led to the introduction of innovative antibacterial and anti-virulence compounds, strategically designed to address the challenges posed by antibiotic-resistant infections and those associated with biofilm formation.

Laura Dassama

In advancing antibiotic development, Laura Dassama dedicates herself to addressing the challenges of multi-drug resistance. This hurdle is intensified by pathogens using efflux pumps - proteins strategically expelling antibiotics upon entering cells, providing a vital window for fortifying defenses. The Dassama Research Group meticulously identifies antibiotics susceptible to this transport mode, unraveling intricate mechanisms. This research plays a pivotal role in shaping more effective antibiotics, countering evolving tactics of drug-resistant pathogens.

Steven Banik

In cellular engineering, Steven Banik's groundbreaking work marks a paradigm shift from conventional gene editing. Integrating chemical and genetic tools, he pioneers a novel approach to harness and redirect innate cell functions. Banik envisions a future where scientists can coax cells into utilizing their intricate machinery to unravel biological complexities and address underlying diseases. The groundbreaking research conducted by the Banik Lab not only marks a paradigm shift in cellular engineering but also holds the promise to significantly expedite the development of therapeutic interventions for challenging disorders.

Conclusion

The strides achieved by the Stanford Chemistry Department in medicinal chemistry, antibacterial research, and cellular engineering epitomize the collaborative synergy among faculty and the broader scientific community within the Stanford Chemistry Department. Positioned as a foundational science, chemistry emerges as the linchpin driving innovative therapeutic interventions, shaping the dynamic and continually evolving progress in the realms of medicine and human health.