Effect of novel iron chelators on cell growth inhibitionby 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:

David Hoskin

Student:

Partner:

Chelation Partners Inc

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Manufacturing

University:

Dalhousie University

Program: