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RI-INBRE > Research Core > Molecular Toxicology

Molecular Toxicology

Faculty Development Projects

The Tumorigenicity Potential of LRH1 in Pancreatic Cancer (2012 - Present)

Investigator:  Xiaoqun Dong, University of Rhode Island
Mentor
:  Jack Wands, Brown University

Abstract:  Pancreatic Cancer (PC) ranks as the 4th-leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States, with a mortality approaching its incidence.  Pancreatic cancer has the lowest 5-year survival rate (<5%) in all malignancies due to its aggressive progression and refractoriness to therapy. More

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

NAMPT Regulation through Post Translational Modification (2012 - Present)

Investigator:  Karen Almeida, Rhode Island College
Mentor
:  Robert Sobol, University of Pittsburgh

Abstract:  Nad+ is essential for life and therefore must be strictly controlled.  NAD+ is widely used as the cofactor in cell energy production and metabolism by providing high-energy electrons required for oxidation/reduction reactions. More

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

Anaerobic Enzymes as Targets of Novel Anti-infective Therapeutics (2012 - Present)

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

Abstract:  Anaerobic protozoan parasites share physiological and biochemical features (e.g. carbohydrate metabolism and cytosolic fermentation enzymes) essential to survive in their hosts.  Understanding the evolutionary adaptations of glycolytic enzymes to luminal environments -in the context of diverse host conditions for anaerobic metabolism- can lead to the development of new drugs and/or improve treatments for infectious diseases. More

Nano-Biomarker Arrays for Cancer Diagnostics (2012 - Present)

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

Abstract:  Rapid, extremely sensitive and accurate biosensor arrays for clinical measurements of biomarker proteins for early detection and monitoring of cancer are critically important and will lead to inexpensive devices for reliable on-the-spot cancer diagnosis, improved therapeutic outcomes at lower costs, decreased patient stress, and new targeted therapies. More

Small Regulatory RNAs in the Metal-Reducing Bacterium Shewanella oneidensis (2012 - Present)

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

Abstract:  Small, non-coding RNAs (sRNAs) are a relatively recently discovered class of genes that bacteria use to regulate the expression of other genes in response to changing environmental conditions.  sRNAs function by base pairing to their mRNA targets and mediating either positive or negative regulatory outcomes. More

Microinjection of Rat Brain Synaptolemma into Xenopus oocytes  (2012 - Present)

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

Abstract:  Current approaches to toxicity are time consuming, expensive and typically rely on investigations that evaluate observable changes to whole animals. New approaches capable of assessing environmental contaminants in a cost and time efficient manner are required to provide information necessary for sound evaluation of the health effects of adverse environmental agents. More

Pilot Projects

Structural Characterization of Soluble and Neurotoxic Aggregates of FUS (2012 - Present)

Investigator:  Nicolas Fawzi, Brown University
Mentor
:
  Wolfgang Peti, Brown University 

Abstract:  Increasing life expectancy in the United States has been the result of many medical advances.  The occurrence of neurodegenerative diseases associated with older age, however, has therefore also increased.  Although the subject of intense research, effective therapies for these devastating diseases have yet to be found, in large part because the underlying mechanism of toxicity leading to degeneration has yet to be fully understood. More

The Molecular Mechanism of Ultraviolet Phototransduction in Human Melanocytes (2012 - Present)

Investigator:  Elena Oancea, Brown University
Mentor
:
  Julie Kauer, Brown University 

Abstract:  Skin, the largest organ of the human body, is constantly exposed to solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR), a powerful environmental risk factor for skin cancer.  Human skin has the unique protective ability among vertebrates to increase its pigmentation upon UVR exposure due to melanin production in melanocytes.  When this defense mechanism is inefficient, as in fair-skinned people, or in response to prolonged UVR-exposure, cancer-promoting genotoxic damage occurrs. More

Student Training Pilot Projects

The Design, Synthesis, and Biological Evaluation of Potentially Novel Anti-infective Agents (2012 - Present)

Investigator:  Susan Meschwitz, Salve Regina University

Abstract:  Bacterial infections are a leading cause of death in children and the elderly in the United States.  The widespread and sometimes inappropriate use of antibiotic to treat bacterial infections have contributed to the rapid development of antibiotic resistance in bacterial populations. More

Mercury Contamination in Rhode Island Estuarine and Coastal Fisheries (2012 - Present)

Investigator:  David Taylor, Roger Williams University

Abstract:  Methylmercury (MeHg) is a toxic environmental contaminant affecting human health, and exposure occurs mainly through dietary uptake of contaminated fish.  To minimize MeHg epxosure, U.S. federal and state agencies issue consumption advisories to inform the public of the possible health risks of eating fish. More

The Molecular Mechanism of the Resistance to Oxidative Stress in Melanoma Cells (2012 - Present)

Investigator:  Yinsheng Wan, Providence College 

Abstract:  Melanoma is one of the most aggressive and less curable cancers, and yet the molecular mechanisms of the aggressiveness remains elusive.  Melanocytes and melanoma cells respond to oxidative stress differently. More

Arylphosphonium Salt Conjugates: Diagnostic, Cell-Imaging Anticancer Agents; Synthesis and Screening  (2012 - Present)

Investigator:  John Williams, Rhode Island College

Abstract:  Arylphosphonium salts (APS) are ctyotoxic lipophilic cations that can cross cell membranes.  They interact with DNA, both nuclear and mitochondrial, and block the replication fork.  They are antibacterial and antifungal by known mechanism(s). More
News & Events

Newsletter

RI-INBRE Newsletter Winter 2013

Grant Workshop PowerPoint Presentations & Handouts

Balancing Teaching and Research at PUIs


Components of a Successful AREA (R15) Grant


NSF-RUI Program: Strategies and Tips for Success


Handouts

Important Dates & Announcements

RI-INBRE Calendar


RI-INBRE News


NIH Public Access Policy


NIH R15 Submission Deadlines - June 25, October 25, & February 25

3/22/2013 - "Revealing Nonobvious Features in Noncoding Human DNA - Insights for Evolution, Gene Expression and Disease" by Laura Elnitski, Ph.D., National Human Genome Institute, National Institutes of Health


8/14/2013-8/16/2013 - 5th Northeast Regional IDeA Meeting, University of Delaware, Newark, DE


4th Northeast Regional IDeA Meeting, Salve Regina University, Newport, RI


RI Inbre Research Fellows

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