My research focuses on the discovery and translation of therapeutic modalities in
the treatment of cancer. In general, the experiments utilized fall into three general
categories as described below:
1. Targeting
DNA structures. A large amount of the human genome is involved in the more typical B-DNA
structures (Watson-Crick base pairing double helix). However, there is evidence that
small segment have non-canonical structures. These structures result from sequence or
environmental perturbations and they may be involved in the synthesis of harmful oncogene
products. Thus, targeting non-canonical structures may offer a therapeutic benefit. This
can increase the specificity of drugs and reduce cytotoxic effects.
2. Therapeutic
Since there may be a therapeutic benefit in utilizing non-canonical structure binders to
treat cancer cells. It would be useful to establish a high throughput screening method to
assess binding potential. This binding potential may be further validated with cancer
cell based luciferase and survival assays to confirm sequence specific down-regulation.
These studies are being performed in collaboration with colleagues at The Cancer
Institute of NJ (Dr Zhiyuan Shen). In addition, development of a compound to mimic p53
function is currently under development.
3. Delivery
Currently, I am working in collaboration with another chemistry faculty member, James
Hanson, Ph.D. Seton Hall University, to develop polymeric transfection tools to allow
entry of DNA into cells. We are interested in developing polymers for specific delivery
of cancer drugs. A common problem for cancer drugs is their toxicity. We can overcome
toxicity by delivering drug to the cells that should receive treatment. By utilizing
targeting molecules on the outer surfaces of polymeric based polymers, we can deliver
nanoparticles to cancer sites. Once at the site, the tumor microenvironment has distinct
features when compared to normal cell environments. Therefore, we can utilize polymers
that will capitalize on these differences to effectively deliver a drug.
Education
Ph.D., Seton Hall University
M.S., Seton Hall University
BA, Seton Hall University
