Faculty Development Projects

Synthesis of New Polyamines for siRNA Complexation and Delivery (2010 - Present)

Investigator:  Mindy Levine, University of Rhode Island
Mentor:  James Manley, Columbia University

Abstract:  The use of siRNA for the treatment of various diseases, including cancer and ocular ailments, is a remarkably promising area of research, although new and more efficient delivery methods are still needed. Proposed herein is the development of a new class of chiral polyamines for siRNA complexation and delivery. More

Phototermal-chemotherapy of Melanoma with Targeted Cisplatin-loaded Hollow Gold nanospheres (2010 - Present)

Investigator:  Wei Lu, University of Rhode Island
Mentor:  Vincent Rotello, University of Massachusetts - Amherst

Abstract:  Hollow gold nanospheres (HAuNS) possess a unique combination of small size (~40 nm), spherical shape, hollow interior, and strong surface plasmon resonance at near-infrared (NIR) region wavelengths (~800 nm), wherein optical absorption in tissue is minimal and penetration is optimal. More

Student Training Projects

Defining a Role for Bcp1 in the DNA Damage Response of Saccharomyces cerevisiae (2009 - Present)

Investigator:  Deborah Britt, Rhode Island College
Mentor:  Anatoly Zhitkovich, Brown University

Abstract:  Maintenance of genomic integrity is essential for all organisms, and cells respond to DNA damage with a tightly orchestrated sequence of events that coordinates cell cycle arrest and DNA repair. More

Identification of New Drugs Against Amebiasis by Targeting Protozoan Anaerobic Metabolism (2009 - Present)

Investigator:  Avelina Espinosa, Roger Williams University
Mentor:  Dan Eichinger, New York University

Abstract:  Amebiasis is the second leading parasitic cause of death worldwide and its causative agent is the anaerobic protozoan Entamoeba histolytica. Approximately 12% of the world’s population is infected. Clinical symptoms manifest in nearly 50 million people annually, causing 100,000 fatalities worldwide. More

Biomarker Arrays for Tobacco-Related Cancer Diagnostics (2009 - Present)

Investigator:  Bernard Munge, Salve Regina University
Mentor:  James Rusling, University of Connecticut

Abstract:  This Proposal addresses the area of Biomedical Diagnostics for Early Detection of Cancer Biomarker. Despite recent improvements in early detection and treatment, cancer is still one of the major causes of death in the world. Early cancer detection coupled with new therapies holds the best current hope to change this fact. More

Identification of Small, Non-Coding RNA Genes in the Bacterium Shewanella oneidensis (2009 - Present)

Investigator:  Brett Pellock, Providence College
Mentor:  Mary Allen, Wellesley College

Abstract:  Maintenance of genomic integrity is essential for all organisms, and cells respond to DNA damage with a tightly orchestrated sequence of events that coordinates cell cycle arrest and DNA repair. More

Characterization of Pyrethroids on Human Voltage-Sensitive Calcium Channels  (2009 - Present)

Investigator:  Steven Symington, Salve Regina University
Mentor:  J. Marshall Clark, University of Massachusetts - Amherst 

Abstract:  Pyrethroids are widely used insecticides, especially in urban environments, to protect agricultural commodities and control vectors of human diseases. It is well established that pyrethroids modulate voltage-sensitive sodium channels; however, recent evidence suggests that voltage-sensitive calcium and chloride channels are also inhibited. More