Fekete, Frank - Colby College - Department of Biology

个人简介

Microorganisms and Society (BI133), Microbiology (BI248), Pathogenic Microbiology (BI348)

研究领域

查看导师最新文章（温馨提示：请注意重名现象，建议点开原文通过作者单位确认）

In the Rice lab, we are interested in how enzymes are involved in the onset and treatment of cancer. We are currently studying the mechanisms of action of an anticancer compound called Laromustine (formerly Cloretazine). This agent is currently in clinical trials towards the treatment of acute myelogenous leukemia and glioblastoma multiforme. Laromustine is a prodrug, which when activated in the cell yields two reactive compounds: a chloroethylating species and methyl isocyanate. The chloroethylating species ultimately forms cytotoxic, interstrand DNA crosslinks. Methyl isocyanate possesses carbamoylating activity that synergizes with DNA damage generated by the chloroethylating activity. Known to react preferentially with sulfhydryl groups, methyl isocyanate can modify cysteine residues in the active sites of enzymes and affect their activity. We are interested in several enzymes as targets likely to be modified with a carbamoyl group from methyl isocyanate, specifically those involved in DNA metabolism.