Collaborative Projects

Fate of Mercury Contaminants in Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island (2009 - Present)

Investigator:  David Taylor, Roger Williams University
Collaborator/Mentor:  Warren Prell, Brown University

Abstract:  Mercury (Hg) is a toxic environmental contaminant affecting human health, and exposure occurs mainly through dietary uptake of contaminated fish. To minimize Hg exposure, public health officials affiliated with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and state agencies issue consumption advisories to inform citizens of the possible health risks associated with eating fish. More

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

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

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

Gene Divergence of Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptors (AHR) in Early Vertebrates (2009 - Present)

Investigator:  Rebeka Merson, Rhode Island College
Mentor:  Mark Hahn, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute  

Abstract:  Adverse health effects from exposure to dioxin-like compounds depend on activation of aryl hydrocarbon receptors (AHR), induction of genes encoding biotransformation enzymes, and dyregulation of numerous genes outside the toxic response pathway. 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

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

Student Training Pilot Projects

The Interactome of NAMPT:  The Influence of Energetics on DNA Repair (2011 - Present)

Investigator:  Karen Almeida, Rhode Island College

Abstract:  Maintaining an accurate genome is critical for cellular survival.  Yet the genome is under constant assault from both endogenous and environmental agents that cuase DNA damage.  Therefore, cells have developed numerous pathways to repair damage to the DNA. More

Interactions of Fungal Pathogens and Immune Cells:  Mechanisms for Pathogenic Success (2011 - Present)

Investigators:  Christopher Reid & Kirsten Antonelli, Bryant University
 

Abstract:  The relationship between indoor exposure to toxic mold and human health is only beginning to be understood.  While evidence exists of strong correlations between exposure and infectious and allergic diseases as well as risks of cancer development, the effects on immune cell function is poorly understood. More

Mechanisms of CpG-ODN's Protection against UV-induced Cell Death (2009 - Present)

Investigator:  Yinsheng Wan, Providence College 

Abstract:  UV radiation from sunlight is a major etiologic factor of nonmelanoma skin cancer that occupies half of cancer in the United States and remains as a serious social and economical concern. If untreated, skin cancer can be life-threatening. While more efficient strategies against skin cancer are under development, understanding the mechanisms of how skin cancer is induced and developed upon chronic UV radiation becomes urgent. More

Anticancer Agents and Antibiotic Polymers (2011 - Present)

Investigator:  John Williams, Rhode Island College
 

Abstract:  Tamoxifen and GSK-4716 mimics have been synthesized in our labs. We have identified compounds with estrogenic or anti-estrogenic activity or both, with no off-target toxicity, in multi-plate screenings against the estrogen receptor alpha in each subclass of mimic structures; triarylethenes, triaryltriazoles, diarylimines and triarylimines and arylphosphonium salts. More