Research

Cancer cells upregulate their antioxidant capacity and redox-responsive signaling pathways. A promising therapeutic approach is to increase the reactive oxygen species (ROS) to levels incompatible with tumor cell survival. Mitochondrial peroxiredoxin 3 (PRX3) plays a significant role in detoxifying ROS. Targeting PRX3 with RSO-021 elicits significant tumor cell death in preclinical studies.

We utilize advanced in vitro and in vivo tumor models to evaluate tumor cell metabolism and response to therapeutic intervention. Using biochemical, genetic, and phenotypic assays we are identifying the next generation of targeted therapies for aggressive cancers.

Publications

Unique Cellular and Biochemical Features of Human Mitochondrial Peroxiredoxin 3 Establish the Molecular Basis for Its Specific Reaction with Thiostrepton

PMID: 33498547 PMCID: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/pmc7909569/

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox10020150

Peroxiredoxins and Beyond; Redox Systems Regulating Lung Physiology and Disease

PMID: 30799628 PMCID: PMC6767868 DOI: 10.1089/ars.2019.7752

Disabling Mitochondrial Peroxide Metabolism via Combinatorial Targeting of Peroxiredoxin 3 as an Effective Therapeutic Approach for Malignant Mesothelioma

PMID: 26011724 PMCID: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/pmc4444329/

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0127310

Peroxiredoxin 3 levels regulate a mitochondrial redox setpoint in malignant mesothelioma cells

PMID: 25462069 PMCID: PMC4297934 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2014.11.003

Mitochondrial-targeted nitroxides disrupt mitochondrial architecture and inhibit expression of peroxiredoxin 3 and FOXM1 in malignant mesothelioma cells

PMID: 23018647 PMCID: PMC3928986 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.24232

Peroxiredoxin 3 is a redox-dependent target of thiostrepton in malignant mesothelioma cells

PMID: 22761781 PMCID: PMC3382597 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0039404

Life-Changing Partnerships

A collaborative approach to discover the next generation of cancer therapy involving a diverse multi-disciplinary team and innovative business partnerships.

Malignancies of interest with significant unmet medical need

We act with urgency to bring new medicines to patients and their families.

Target Cancers

Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that develops in the thin layer of tissue that covers most of your internal organs, called the mesothelium. Currently there is no cure for Mesothelioma. We are investigating mitochondrial metabolism in mesothelioma and have identified promising new compounds that selectively kill tumor cells. More information can be found on the CDC site.

Pleural Effusion

The pleura is a thin membrane that lines the surface of your lungs and the inside of your chest wall. Pleural effusion happens when an unusual amount of fluid builds up around the lungs. A variety of medical conditions can lead to this happening. If cancer grows in the pleural space, it causes a "malignant pleural effusion."

Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer is a disease that originates either in the ovaries or fallopian tubes and often spreads locally to the peritoneum. In the past decade many new therapies have been developed for ovarian cancer treatment, but unmet medical need still remains for patients with peritoneal spread of the malignancy. More information can be found on the CDC site.