Profile for Aaron Monte
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Aaron Monte Pronounce my name
Pronouns: human
Professor
Chemistry & Biochemistry
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse
Specialty area(s)
medicinal-organic chemistry; psychopharmacology; natural products chemistry; psychedelic & anti-infective/anti-cancer drugs; the drug discovery & development process in general
Brief biography
Dr. Monte has designed and synthesized several potent and selective drug molecules used to map the structural features of serotonin 5-HT2 receptor proteins, which mediate states of consciousness in the human central nervous system (CNS) – see, for example, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2C-B-FLY. He also helped with isolating, identifying, and modifying chemical constituents from wild fungi and traditional herbal remedies used by indigenous American cultures for use as new anti-infective/anti-cancer drug therapies (~ Wisconsin Ojibwe: miikawaadizi! ~ maamakaadakamig! ~) and was co-founder and director of the multi-institutional WI Emerging Technology Center in Pharmaceutical Development as well as the first biotech company formed in western WI, Mycophyte Discovery, LLC. Dr. Monte has designed and taught courses within the departments of CHM, BIO, PHY, and PAS, being a founding member of the successful UWL Physician Assistant program, and he has received awards for both teaching and research. He was co-founder and director of the UWL Undergraduate Research program and served as Chair of the first faculty senate Undergraduate Research Committee (1998-2000) and as Editor-in-Chief of the UWL Journal of Undergraduate Research (1998-2011). He has served as a faculty senator, chaired several university committees, and been involved in the hiring of many faculty and administrative colleagues. One of his main passions is supporting the UWL College of Science and Health (CSH) through inter-disciplinary/inter-institutional collaborations and helping all of our students and faculty members thrive.
Current courses at UWL
CHM 300 - Fundamental Organic Chemistry
CHM 302 - Fundamental Organic Chemistry Laboratory
BIO 443/543 - Molecular Mechanisms of Disease & Drug Action, aka "Drugs and Disease"
Education
Ph.D., Medicinal Chemistry & Molecular Pharmacology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 1995
B.S., Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of West Florida, Pensacola, FL, 1990
Career
Teaching history
PAS 630 - Medical Pharmacology
BIO 443/543 - Molecular Mechanisms of Disease & Drug Action
CHM 471 - Capstone in Chemistry & Biochemistry
CHM 305 - Organic Chemistry Laboratory
CHM 304 - Organic Chemistry Theory II
CHM 303 - Organic Chemistry Theory I
CHM 300/300L - Survey of Organic Chemistry Lecture & Laboratory
CHM 302 - Fundamental Organic Chemistry Laboratory
CHM 250 - Introduction to Organic Chemistry & Biochemistry
PHY 106 - Physical Science for Educators
CHM 103L - General Chemistry Laboratory
CHM 100/100L - Contemporary Chemistry Lecture & Laboratory
Professional history
2004-2019, Department Chairperson
2015-2018, Sr Academic Planner/Faculty Assistant to the Provost
2011-Present, Director, UWL Emerging Technology Center in Pharmaceutical Development
2003-Present, Professor of Chemistry & Biochemistry
1998-Present, Member of the Graduate Faculty
1998-2003, Associate Professor of Chemistry
1995-1998, Assistant Professor of Chemistry
Research and publishing
* = undergraduate co-author
Huang, C-c, Monte, A. “CANCEROUS CELL GROWTH INHIBITING COMPOUNDS.” (melanoma treatments) U.S. Patent No. US 10,550,095 B2:, U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, Date Issued: February 4, 2020.
Martinson, K.,* Stueven, N.*, Monte, A., Huang, C-C. “A Novel Stilbene-Like Compound That Reduces Melanin Through Inhibiting Melanocyte Differentiation and Proliferation without Inhibiting Tyrosinase.” Cosmetics, 2018, 5(45) 1-14.
Steuven, N. A.*, Schlaeger, N. M.*, Monte, A. P., Huang, S.-P. L., Huang, C.-c. "A novel stilbene-like compound that inhibits melanoma growth by regulating melanocyte differentiation and proliferation." Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology, 2017, 337, 30-38.
Schwan, W. R., Polanowski, R., Dunman, P. M., Medina-Bielski, S.*, Lane, M.*, Rott, M. A., Lipker, L.*, Wescott, A.*, Monte, A. P., Cook, J. M., Baumann, D., Tiruveedhula, V. V. N. Phani B., Witzigmann, C. M., Mikel, C.*, Rahman, M. T. "Identification of Staphylococcus aureus cellular pathways affected by the stilbenoid lead drug SK-03-92 using a microarray." Antibiotics (Basel), 2017, 6(E17), 1-17.
Huang, C-C., Monte, A., "SKIN-LIGHTENING COMPOUNDS," US Patent Application Publication, Pub. No. US 2017/0197897 A1, July 13, 2017.
Huang, C-C., Monte, A., "A-11, A POTENTIAL SAFER AND BETTER SKIN-WHITENING AGENT," US Utility Patent Application (WiSys Ref # T140007US02), Filed with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office on January 20, 2017.
Monte, A. “Why Study Chemistry.” In Vaidya, Kishor V. (Ed.), Chemistry for the Curious High School & College Students: Why Study Chemistry? (The Undecided Student's Guide to Choosing the University Major & Career Path), The Curious Academic Publishing; 153 pages, January 1, 2016.
Huang, C-C., Monte, A., "CANCEROUS CELL GROWTH INHIBITING COMPOUNDS," U.S. Provisional Patent Application (WiSys Ref # T160035US01), U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, Applied for April 7, 2016
Huang, C-C., Monte, A., "A-11, A POTENTIAL AND BETTER SKIN-WHITENING AGENT," Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) Application (WiSys Ref # T140007WO), Filed with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) on July 21, 2015.
Witzigmann, C. M., Tiruveedhula, V.V.N.P.B., Cook, J. M., Schwan, W. R., Rott, M. A., Monte, A., "COMPOUNDS FOR THE TREATMENT OF GRAM-POSITIVE BACTERIAL INFECTIONS, INCLUDING DRUG RESISTANT STRAINS OF STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS," U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/975,396, (Atty. File No. 020871-9097-US00), U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, Applied for April 4, 2014.
Huang, C-C., Monte, A., Cook, J. M., Shahjahan, K. M., Peterson, K. P. “Zebrafish Heart Failure Models for the Evaluation of Chemical Probes and Drugs.” ASSAY and Drug Development Technologies, 2013, 11 (9-10), 561-572.
Tiruveedhula, V.V.N.P.B., Witzigmann, C. M., Verma, R., Kabir, M. S., Rott, M., Schwan, W. R., Medina-Bielski, S.*, Lane, M.*, Close, W.*, Polanowski, R. L., Sherman, D., Monte, A., Cook, J. M., Design and synthesis of novel antimicrobials with activity against Gram-positive bacteria and mycobacterial species, including M. tuberculosis, Bioorg. Med. Chem., 2013, 21, 7830-7840.
Kabir, M. S., Cook, J. M., Monte, A. P., Rott, M. A., Schwan, W. R., Witzigman, C. M., Namjoshi, O. A., Tiruveedhula, V.V.N.P.B., Verma, R. S., "DESIGN AND SYNTHESIS OF ACRYLATE ESTERS WITH ACTIVITY AGAINST BACTERIA AND MYCOBACTERIA, INCLUDING M. TUBERCULOSIS AND METHICILLIN RESISTANT S. AUREUS (MRSA)," U.S. Provisional Patent Application, 106 pages with tables and figures, U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, Applied for April 10, 2013.
Wang, Q., Song, F., Xiao, X., Huang, P., Li, L., Monte, A., Abdel-Mageed, W. M., Wang, J., Guo, H., He, W., Xie, F., Dai, H., Liu, M., Chen, C., Xu, H., Liu, M., Piggott, A. M., Liu, X. T., Capon, R. J., Zhang, L. “Abyssomicins from the South China Sea Deep-Sea Sediment Verrucosispora sp.: Natural Thioether Michael Addition Adducts as Antitubercular Prodrugs.” Angewandte Chemie, Int. Ed., 2013, 52, 1231-1234.
Liu, X. T., Schwan, W. R., Volk, T. J., Rott, M. A., Liu, M., Huang, P., Liu, Z., Wang, Y. Zitomer, N. C., Sleger, C.*, Hartsel, S. A., Monte, A., Zhang, L. “Antibacterial Spirobisnaphthalenes from the North American Cup Fungus Urnula craterium.” J. Nat. Prod., 2012, 75, 1534-1538.
Monte, A. P., Kabir, M. S., Cook, J. M., Monte, A. P., Rott, M. A., Schwan, W. R., Witzigman, C. M., Namjoshi, O. A., Tiruveedhula, V.V.N.P.B., Verma, R. S., "STEREOSPECIFIC SYNTHESIS OF ACRYLATE ETHERS AND AMINES FOR INDUSTRIAL AND MEDICINAL APPLICATIONS," U.S. Provisional Patent Application, 97 pages with tables and figures, U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, Applied for March 14, 2012.
Kabir, M. S.; Namjoshi, O. A.; Verma, R.; Lorenz, M.; Tiruveedhula, V. V. N. P. B.; Monte, A.; Bertz, S. H.; Schwabacher, A. W.; Cook, J. M. “Base Mediated Stereospecific Synthesis of Aryloxy and Amino Substituted Ethyl Acrylates.” J. Org. Chem., 2012, 77, 300-310.
Schwan, W. R.; Kabir, M. S.; Kallus, M.*; Krueger, S.*; Monte, A.; Cook, J. M. “Synthesis and Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations of SK-03-92 Against Staphylococcus aureus and Other Gram-Positive Bacteria.” J. Infect. Chemother., 2012, 18,124-126.
Monte, A.; Kabir, M. S.; Rott, M. A.; Schwan, W. R.; Cook, J. M., Miskowski, J. A. “BROAD SPECTRUM GRAM-POSITIVE ANTIMICROBIALS AND ANTHELMINTICS WITH EFFICACY AGAINST DRUG-RESISTANT STRAINS AND MYCOBACTERIUM SPECIES,” U.S. Non-Provisional Patent Application, Ser. #12/973,078: 106 pages with tables and figures, U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, Applied for December 20, 2010; accepted by USPTO, April 2011.
Kabir, M. S.; Namjoshi, O. A.; Verma, R.; Polanowski, R.*; Krueger, S. M.*; Sherman, D.; Rott, M. A.; Schwan, W. R.; Monte, A.; Cook, J. M. “A New Class of Potential Anti-Tuberculosis Agents: Synthesis and Preliminary Evaluation of Novel Acrylic Acid Ethyl Ester Derivatives.” Bioorg. Med. Chem., 2010, 18, 4178-4186.
Liu, X. T.; Winkler, A.*; Schwan, W. R.; Volk, T. J.; Rott, M. A.; Monte, A. “Antibacterial Compounds from Mushrooms II: Lanostane Triterpenoids and an Ergostane Steroid with Activity Against Bacillus cereus Isolated from Fomitopsis pinicola.” Planta Medica, 2010, 76, 464-466.
Schwan, W. R.; Dunek, C.*; Gebhardt, M.*; Engelbrecht, K.*; Klett, T.*; Monte, A.; Toce, J.; Rott, M. A.; Volk, T. J.; Li Puma, J. J.; Liu, X. T.; McKelvey, R. “Screening a Mushroom Extract Library for Activity Against Acinetobacter baumannii and Burkholderia cepacia Complex, and the Identification of a Compound with Anti-Burkholderia Activity.” Ann. Clin. Microbiol. Antimicrob., 2010, 9 (4),1-6.
Liu, X. T.; Winkler, A.*; Schwan, W. R.; Volk, T. J.; Rott, M. A.; Monte, A. “Antibacterial Compounds from Mushrooms I: Lanostane-type Triterpene and Prenylphenol Derivatives from Jahnoporus hirtus and Albatrellus flettii and their Activities Against Bacillus cereus.” Planta Medica, 2010, 76, 182-185.
Monte, A.; Kabir, M. S.; Ara, S.; Rott, M.; Schwan, W. R.; Cook, J. M.; “NEW AGENTS TO TREAT DRUG-RESISTANT GRAM-POSITIVE ANTIMICROBIAL INFECTIONS AS WELL AS ANTHRAX AND DRUG-RESISTANT TUBERCULOSIS,” U.S. Provisional Patent Application #T100005US: 46 pages with tables and figures, accepted by U.S. Patent and Trademark Office January 15, 2010.
Kabir, M. S.; Engelbrecht, K.*; Polanowski, R.*; Rott, M. A.; Schwan, W. R.; Stemper, M.; Reed, K.; Sherman, D.; Cook, J. M.; Monte, A. “New Classes of Gram-Positive Antibacterials: Inhibitors of MRSA and Surrogates of the Causative Agents of Anthrax and Tuberculosis.” Bioorg. Med. Chem. Lett., 2008, 18, 5745-5749.
Kabir, M. S.; Van Linn, M. L.; Monte, A.; Cook, J. M. “Stereo- and Regiospecific Synthesis of Vinyl Sulfides,” Synfacts, 2008, 10, 1089.
Kabir, M. S.; Van Linn, M. L.; Monte, A.; Cook, J. M. “Stereo- and Regiospecific Cu-Catalyzed Cross-Coupling Reaction of Vinyl Iodides and Thiols: A Very Mild and General Route for the Synthesis of Vinyl Sulfides.” Org. Lett., 2008, 10(15), 3363-3366.
Schultz, D. M.*; Prescher, J. P.*; Marona-Lewicka, D.; Kidd, S.; Nichols, D. E.; Monte, A. “’Hybrid’ Benzofuran/Benzopyran Congeners as Rigid Analogues of Hallucinogenic Phenethylamines.” Bioorg. Med. Chem., 2008, 16 (11), 6242-6251.
Whiteside, M. S.*; Kurrasch-Orbaugh, D.; Marona-Lewicka, D.; Nichols, D. E.; Monte, A. “Substituted Hexahydrobenzodipyrans as Serotonin 5-HT2A/2C Receptor Probes.” Bioorg. Med. Chem., 2002, 10, 3301-3306.
Monte, Aaron “Mentor Expectations and Student Responsibilities in Undergraduate Research.” Council on Undergraduate Research (CUR) Quarterly, 2001, 22 (2), 66-71.
Monte, A. P.; Marona-Lewicka, D.; Mayleben, M.; Mailman, R. B.; Nichols, D. E. “Substituted Naphthofurans as Hallucinogenic Phenethylamine-Ergoline Hybrid Molecules with Unexpected Muscarinic Antagonist Activity.” J. Med. Chem., 1998, 41, 2134-2145.
Monte, A. P.; Waldman, S. R.*; Marona-Lewicka, D.; Mayleben, M.; Mailman, R. B.; Wainscott, B.; Nelson, D. L.; Nichols, D. E. “Dihydrobenzofuran Analogues of Hallucinogens. 4. Mescaline Derivatives.” J. Med. Chem., 1997, 40, 2997-3008.
Waldman, S. R.*; Monte, A. P.; Bracey, A.*; Nichols, D. E. “One-Pot Claisen Rearrangement/O-Methylation/Alkene Isomerization in the Synthesis of Ortho-Methoxylated Phenylisopropylamines.” Tetrahedron Lett., 1996, 37, 7889-7892.
Nichols, David E.; Monte, A. P.; Huang, X.; Marona-Lewicka, D. “Stereoselective Pharmacological Effects of Lysergic Acid Amides Possessing Chirality in the Amide Substituent.” Behav. Brain Res., 1996, 73, 117-119
Monte, A. P.; Marona-Lewicka, D.; Parker, M. A.; Mayleben, M.; Mailman, R. B.; Wainscott, B.; Nelson, D. L.; Nichols, D. E. “Dihydrobenzofuran Analogues of Hallucinogens. 3. Models of 4-Substituted (2,5-Dimethoxyphenyl) alkylamine Derivatives with Rigidified Methoxy Groups.” J. Med. Chem., 1996, 39, 2953-2961.
Monte, A. P.; Marona-Lewicka, D.; Cozzi, N. V.; Nelson, D. L.; Nichols, D. E. “Conformationally Restricted Tetrahydro-1-Benzoxepin Analogs of Hallucinogenic Phenethylamines.” Med. Chem Res., 1995, 5, 651-663.
Monte, A. P.; Marona-Lewicka, D.; Kanthasamy, A.; Sanders-Bush, E.; Nichols, D. E. “Stereoselective LSD-like Activity in a Series of d-Lysergic Acid Amides of (R)- and (S)-2-Aminoalkanes.” J. Med. Chem., 1995, 38, 958-966.
Monte, A. P.; Marona-Lewicka, D.; Cozzi, N. V.; Nichols, D. E. “Synthesis and Pharmacological Evaluation of Benzofuran, Indan, and Tetralin Analogues of 3,4-Methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA).” J. Med. Chem., 1993 36, 3700-3706.