The majority of genetic changes observed in human cancer are not inherited, but have environmental causes. These genetic alterations originate when DNA is chemically altered by chemicals present in the environment, our diet, and also produced naturally as a result of normal metabolism. We are developing novel methods to chemically identify and map the location of carcinogen-induced DNA damage within genes often found mutated in cancer, those that control cell growth and differentiation. This research will help establish a link between specific DNA damaging agents and genetic changes observed in cancer, providing important insights into the origins of cancer and offering new strategies for cancer prevention and treatment.
Lab News
December 2007 Our proposal "DNA-protein cross-linking in carcinogenesis and cancer therapy" is funded by the AHC.
September 2007 Brock's paper "Sequence distribution of acetaldehyde-derived N2-ethyl-dG adducts along duplex DNA" is published in CRT. PubMed citation
April 2007 First detection of diepoxybutane-specific DNA-DNA cross-links in vivo is reported. PubMed citation
March 2007 Article describing the first synthesis of DNA oligonucleotides containing monoepoxide adducts of diepoxybutane appears in Chemical Research in Toxicology. PubMed citation
January 2007 Novel DNA-DNA cross-link of diepoxybutane is identified. PubMed citation
May 2006 Rachel's paper on DNA protein cross-links is featured on the cover of Chemical Research in Toxicology. PubMed citation
Return to: College of Pharmacy : Academic Health Center : myU : U of M Home
