Abstract Dr. Perry
Elucidating Lectin Specificities using Molecular Modeling and QSAR
With an established record of collaboration on biomedical research projects over the last three years, the PI proposes to initiate a new collaborative study with Tom Kieber-Emmons at UAMS. Employing molecular modeling and quantitative structure activity relationships (QSAR), the PI will investigate the specifity of lectins. It is known that lectins affect tumor cell survival, adhesion to the endothelium or extracellular matrix, as well as tumor vascularization and other processes that are crucial for metastatic spread and growth. QSAR is the search for mathematical relationships between structural properties and chemical activities. The premise of QSAR is that the activity of tested chemicals can be used to predict the activity of untested ones. QSAR is also useful to identify essential structural properties for the target activity. With the existing computational facilities at UAMS and OBU, the researcher will utilize known methodologies and structural databases to initiate this study. Future work in this area will involve Ouachita undergraduates during subsequent academic years and summer sessions. With an anticipated sabbatical in 2004-05, the researcher will apply for an Academic-year BRIN grant as well as other grants from external funding sources.
Updated 10/31/2005
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