Chemical approaches to regenerative organ repair

Please join Yale Chemistry for a Silliman Seminar in organic chemistry with Prof. Michael Bollong, Associate Professor, Department of Chemistry, Early Career Endowed Roon Chair for Cardiovascular Research at Scripps Research. Abstract: Despite perceived organismal complexity, mammals possess relatively poor regenerative potential compared to certain lesser species of Animalia (e.g., amphibians). Indeed, there are many human disease states where an insufficient regenerative response limits organ repair and is determining of disease etiology (e.g., heart failure, T1D, IPF). To overcome these limitations, we have ongoing programs aimed at identifying novel small molecules, drug targets, and repurposed drugs which control the context-specific cell growth and differentiation pathways limiting regenerative potential in a given tissue or cell type. Here, I will overview our academic drug development programs aimed at regenerating several mammalian organ systems, including the heart and lungs. Bio: Michael J. Bollong, Ph.D., earned his BS in biochemistry and cell biology from University of California, San Diego (2009) and his PhD in chemistry from Scripps Research (2016) under the mentorship of Pete Schultz. He was the inaugural Scripps Fellow (2017), an early independence principal investigator position. In 2020, he became an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemistry at Scripps Research and is currently the Early Career Endowed Roon Chair for Cardiovascular Research as an Associate Professor. His laboratory uses chemical genetics as a discovery paradigm, focusing on the identification and development of drug-like small molecules with novel biological functions. One key focus of his laboratory has been identifying molecules which promote reparative organ regeneration, a largely unmet challenge in the field of regenerative medicine. Mike has earned several awards, including the Baxter Young Investigator Award (2020), the Portoghese Lectureship in Medicinal Chemistry (ACS, 2021), Amgen Young Investigator (2023), the David W. Robertson Award for Excellence in Medicinal Chemistry (ACS, 2024) and the Medicinal Chemistry Emerging Investigator Lectureship (RSC, 2025). For more information on Prof. Bollong's research: RESEARCH | Bollong Lab Hosted by Prof. Jon Ellman. Sponsored by the Mrs. Hepsa Ely Silliman Memorial Fund.