Approaches Toward the Synthesis of a Potential Cancer Therapeutic: An Acridine-amino ACID Assembly
Faculty Mentor
Dr. Karelle Aiken
Location
Russell Union Room 2054
Type of Research
On-going
Session Format
Oral Presentation
College
College of Science & Mathematics
Department
Department of Biochemistry, Chemistry and Physics
Abstract
Even though cancer treatment has come a very long way, there are still gaps in effectively treating the disease and preventing complications caused by the treatment. This is due, in part, to the lack of specificity of current therapeutic drugs. To specifically target cancerous cells, we are focusing on the L-type amino acid transporter 1 (LAT1), a protein responsible for transporting large, hydrophobic amino acids. LAT1 is highly expressed in cancer cell tissues and has been extensively investigated as a potential carrier for delivering drugs across biological barriers. Acridines are recognized as promising moieties for anti-tumor potentials. They apply their effects through various mechanisms, including DNA intercalation, topoisomerase inhibition, oxidative stress induction, and cell cycle disruption. To increase the specificity and proliferation of acridine in cancer cells, we are using different methods to link it to a hydrophobic amino acid and a substrate for LAT1. These methodologies are expected to enhance acridine’s activity and/or improve its targeted delivery to cancer cells.
Program Description
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Start Date
4-23-2026 9:45 AM
End Date
4-23-2026 10:00 AM
Recommended Citation
Bekele, Wintana H., "Approaches Toward the Synthesis of a Potential Cancer Therapeutic: An Acridine-amino ACID Assembly" (2026). GS4 Student Scholars Symposium. 4.
https://digitalcommons.georgiasouthern.edu/research_symposium/2026/2026/4
Approaches Toward the Synthesis of a Potential Cancer Therapeutic: An Acridine-amino ACID Assembly
Russell Union Room 2054
Even though cancer treatment has come a very long way, there are still gaps in effectively treating the disease and preventing complications caused by the treatment. This is due, in part, to the lack of specificity of current therapeutic drugs. To specifically target cancerous cells, we are focusing on the L-type amino acid transporter 1 (LAT1), a protein responsible for transporting large, hydrophobic amino acids. LAT1 is highly expressed in cancer cell tissues and has been extensively investigated as a potential carrier for delivering drugs across biological barriers. Acridines are recognized as promising moieties for anti-tumor potentials. They apply their effects through various mechanisms, including DNA intercalation, topoisomerase inhibition, oxidative stress induction, and cell cycle disruption. To increase the specificity and proliferation of acridine in cancer cells, we are using different methods to link it to a hydrophobic amino acid and a substrate for LAT1. These methodologies are expected to enhance acridine’s activity and/or improve its targeted delivery to cancer cells.
