Overview
The Derbyshire Lab uses both chemical tools and biological methods to uncover novel aspects of malaria parasite biology with the ultimate aim of identifying druggable targets. Projects range from developing assays for phenotypic and target-based screens to exploring biological pathways and identifying small molecules with potential therapeutic value. Their interdisciplinary collaborative program integrates chemical biology, molecular biology and biochemistry to globally interrogate parasite biology.
Current Appointments & Affiliations
Eads Family Professor
·
2024 - Present
Chemistry,
Trinity College of Arts & Sciences
Professor of Chemistry
·
2024 - Present
Chemistry,
Trinity College of Arts & Sciences
Professor of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology
·
2024 - Present
Molecular Genetics and Microbiology,
Basic Science Departments
Associate Professor of Cell Biology
·
2022 - Present
Cell Biology,
Basic Science Departments
Associate of the Duke Initiative for Science & Society
·
2021 - Present
Duke Science & Society,
University Initiatives & Academic Support Units
Recent Publications
Investigation of a cryptic ligand binding site on Plasmodium falciparum Hsp90.
Journal Article Bioorganic & medicinal chemistry · December 2025 The molecular chaperone heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) has an important role in maintaining proteostasis in Plasmodium parasites, the causative agents of malaria, and is of interest as a potential antimalarial drug target. Inhibitors targeting its well-char ... Full text CiteSmall phenolic inhibitors of PfATP6, a Plasmodium falciparum calcium ATPase, as prototype antimalarials.
Journal Article Bioorganic & medicinal chemistry · November 2025 Malaria, an infectious disease caused by Plasmodium parasites, continues to pose a serious global health problem. PfATP6, a calcium-transporting transmembrane protein present in Plasmodium falciparum, has been identified as a promising target for new antim ... Full text CiteAuthor Correction: Diversity-oriented synthesis yields novel multistage antimalarial inhibitors.
Journal Article Nature · November 2025 Full text CiteEducation, Training & Certifications
University of California, Berkeley ·
2008
Ph.D.
Trinity College ·
2002
B.S.