Ph.D., Organic Chemistry, University of Virginia, 2014
B.S., Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of Arizona, 2008
Contact :
Media Relations
Chemistry, Hedco Hall
206
P: 909.307.7818
P: 909.748.8370
E:
Michael_Ferracane@redlands.edu
I am a computational and synthetic organic chemist by training. In the past, my research has focused on developing novel small molecules and peptides intended to modulate the activity of the sphingosine 1-phosphate and opioid receptors. These receptor families are important targets for the treatment of multiple sclerosis and pain respectively.
At University of Redlands, I am using computational, synthetic, and spectroscopic methods to investigate the structure and activity of different peptides. I primarily study cyclic tetrapeptides, a unique molecular scaffold that has shown promise for the treatment of pain, addiction, and cancer. I am also involved in collaborative work that investigates the structure and behavior of glycopeptides. Combined, this research contributes new knowledge to the field while providing students interested in the chemical or health sciences with a meaningful research experience.
· Assistant Professor, Department of Chemistry, University of Redlands
· Post-Doctoral Associate, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Florida
Brice-Tutt, A.; Wilson, L.; Eans, S.; Stacy, H.; Simons, C.; Simpson, G.; Coleman, J.; Ferracane, M.; Aldrich, J.; McLaughlin, J. Multifunctional Opioid Receptor Agonism and Antagonism by a Novel Macrocyclic Tetrapeptide Prevents Reinstatement of Morphine-Seeking Behavior. Br. J. Pharmacol. 2020, 177, 4209-4222 https://doi.org/10.1111/bph.15165
Malaker, S.; Pedram, K.; Ferracane, M.; Bensing, B.; Krishnan, V.; Pett, C.; Yu, J.; Woods, E.; Kramer, J.; Westerlind, U.; Dorigo, O.; Bertozzi, C. The mucin-selective protease StcE enables molecular and functional analysis of human cancer-associated mucins. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 2019, 116, 7278-7287 https://dx.doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1813020116
Malaker, S.; Ferracane, M.; Depontieu, F.; Zarling, A.; Shabanowitz, J.; Bai, D.; Engelhard, V.; Topalian, S.; Hunt, D. Identification and characterization of complex glycosylated peptides presented by the MHC class II processing pathway in melanoma. J. Prot. Res. 2017, 16, 228-237 http://dx.doi.org/10.1021/acs.jproteome.6b00496
Lefever, M.; Szabo, L.; Anglin, B.; Ferracane, M.; Hogan, J.; Cooney, L.; Polt, R. Glycosylation of α-amino acids by sugar acetate donors with InBr3. Minimally competent Lewis acids. Carb. Res. 2012, 351, 121-125 http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.carres.2012.01.008
Malaker, S.; Ferracane, M. Mass Spectrometric Identification and Molecular Modeling of Glycopeptides Presented by MHC Class I and II Processing Pathways. In Immunoproteomics: Methods and Protocols, 2nd ed.; Fulton, K., Twine, S., Eds.; Methods in Molecular Biology; Humana: New York, 2019; 2024, pp 269-285 http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4939-9597-4_17
Aldrich, J.; Ferracane, M. Novel Macrocyclic Opioid Peptides. U.S. Patent Application 62/658,915, April 17, 2018
· Bert L. Schram Young Investigator Award – 2015
· Outstanding Graduate Teaching Assistant Award – 2014
· Alumni Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Research – 2007
· American Chemical Society
· American Peptide Society
· Council on Undergraduate Research