Effect of novel iron chelators on cell growth inhibition by anti-mitotic drugs and irradiation

Iron is required for the growth of all animal cells, being necessary for the proper function of diverse enzyme systems and the expression of certain genes, as well as for the production of oxygen radicals that function as signal transduction intermediates and help defend against microorganisms.

Interestingly, preliminary findings indicate that both mouse and human cancer cells (used to model continuously growing animal cells) are more sensitive to iron withdrawal than are their normal counterparts, and are also able to discriminate between different iron-chelating agents. The proposed research will test the hypothesis that iron withdrawal (using novel iron-chelating agents developed by Chelation Partners Incorporated) will enhance the cytostatic and/or cytotoxic activity of other cell growth inhibitors, including anti-mitotic drugs and irradiation. New insights into the control of animal cell growth at the level of iron requirements will have important biotechnology and biomedical applications.

Faculty Supervisor:

Dr. David Hoskin

Student:

Melanie Rose Power Coombs

Partner:

Chelation Partners Inc.

Discipline:

Animal science

Sector:

Life sciences

University:

Dalhousie University