The Drug and Carcinogen-DNA Interactions training program provides a unique opportunity for interdisciplinary training in cancer across the boundary between chemistry and biology. Since its initiation in 1990 the training grant has provided a mechanism to provide biology students with a solid foundation in the molecular basis for cancer, and provided chemistry and medicinal chemistry students with a comprehensive understanding of the biological consequences of events at the molecular level leading to cancer. The training grant, through its monthly meetings, courses, seminar program, and collaborations between preceptor laboratories provides the framework to accomplish the cross-training of both groups of scientists. The training grant is used to attract new students with these interests to Purdue University, and encourage well-qualified present students to consider a career in cancer research. The trainees receive formal training through course work on specific areas of cancer research as well as specialized training through specific research projects. Overall the program provides students with unique training in interdisciplinary cancer research.
Support for training predoctoral and postdoctoral fellows is provided by a grant from the National Cancer Institute (5T32 CA09634). Stipends are available on a competitive basis for trainees conducting research in the laboratory of one the 16 preceptors involved in the Training in Drug and Carcinogen-DNA Interactions Program. This grant currently supports 3 postdoc and 4 predoc students
PRECEPTORS ON THIS GRANT INCLUDE:
Faculty Member, departmental affiliation and research interest
Department of Medicinal Chemistry & Molecular Pharmacology
Donald E. Bergstrom, Ph.D.
nucleic acid chemistry
Richard F. Borch, M.D., Ph.D.
synthesis of novel anticancer drugs
Mark S. Cushman, Ph.D.
design & synthesis of anticancer & antiviral agents
Vincent Jo Davisson, Ph.D.
DNA & RNA polymerase substrates as mutagens
Robert L. Geahlen, Ph.D.
signaling by cytoplasmic protein-tyrosine kinases
Marietta L. Harrison, Ph.D.
regulation of nonreceptor protein-tyrosine kinases
Department of Biological Sciences
John N. Anderson, Ph.D.
DNA structure & nucleosome positioning
Alan M. Friedman, Ph.D.
structural biology of DNA binding proteins
Stephen F. Konieczny, Ph.D.
transcriptional & signaling pathways in pancreatic cancer
Elizabeth J. Taparowsky, Ph.D.
transcription regulation by bZIP proteins
Department of Biochemistry
Scott Briggs, Ph.D.
Role of histone methylation in gene expression and oncogenesis
Barbara L. Golden, Ph.D.
ribozymes & RNA-protein interactions
Department of Chemistry
Jean A. Chmielewski, Ph.D.
disrupting transcription factor association
Mark A. Lipton, Ph.D.
design & synthesis of small molecule anticancer agents
Harry A. Morrison, Ph.D.
design of photoactivated antitumor drugs
IU School of Medicine-Section of Hematology/Oncology
Patrick J. Loehrer, Sr., M.D.
clinical trials methodology
