Roman Melnyk

Bacterial protein toxins can play an important role in the establishment and propagation of numerous infectious diseases. The most potent toxins, including diphtheria, tetanus and anthrax toxins are multi-functional proteins that possess the remarkable ability to direct their own entry into cells through the formation of protein-conducting pores in the host membrane, through which the highly toxic enzymatic subunits traverse through. Since bacterial toxins are often solely responsible for the symptoms of many diseases, blocking their action on mammalian cells represents an attractive approach to potentially treat the symptoms of these devastating bacterial diseases. Using chemical biology and targeted drug discovery approaches combined with molecular biophysics and structural analysis we seek to identify and validate host & toxin targets and discover small molecule hits for further exploration and development. In addition, owing to the unique ability of these toxins to specifically and efficiently deliver their toxic enzymes into cells, an often insurmountable task for many protein-based drugs, we aim to develop toxin-delivery platforms to shuttle otherwise non-cell penetrant therapeutics into cells. 

Appointments, Cross Affiliations, Memberships 

Senior Scientist Molecular Medicine, Hospital for Sick Children 

Courses Taught 

BCH2114 Frontiers in Drug Discovery 
BCH479H1 Advanced Seminar in Biochemistry 
BCH473Y Advanced Research Project in Biochemistry 

Awards and Distinctions 

2014 — Early Researcher Award, Ontario Ministry of Economic Development & Innovation