High-Affinity Selective DNA Intercalators (HASDI): A novel approach to interfere with the transcriptional activity of disease-causing transcription factors

Cancer is a complex disease that involves multiple changes in normal cell biology, all of them leading to increased and abnormal cell replication. Depending on the tissue type, this uncontrolled tissue growth ultimately causes organ malfunction and a wide variety of signs and symptoms which, all together, indicate a pathological state which needs to be addressed. Consequently, to treat cancer effectively with drug molecules, these compounds need to be as potent and selective as possible. Our grant application aims to study the use of novel and unconventional computer-based approaches that simulate the interaction of human DNA with a select group of disease-causing proteins abnormally expressed by cancer cells. We will then use this theoretical framework to determine the chemical features needed in drugs to interfere with (and inhibit) pathological processes associated with cancer.

Faculty Supervisor:

Carlos Velazquez

Student:

Partner:

National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Pharmaceuticals; Health and Related Sciences & Technology

University:

University of Alberta

Program: