Pharmaceutical Sciences
Genomics and the Development of New Molecular
Therapeutics in Cancer
Mutational inactivation of the p53 gene product is one of the most common genetic events that occurs in human cancers, highlighting the central role of p53 as a tumor suppressor. The biochemical activity of p53 most closely associated with tumor suppression is its function as a sequence-specific DNA-binding protein and transcription factor that controls the expression of a large panel of gene products. However, no known single pathway mediates the full range of functions of p53.
A new genomics study by Dr. Sayed Daoud and Yves Pommier, chief of the Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology at the National Cancer Institute, has shown that p53 controls a repertoire of novel genes never reported or known before. This study clearly indicates that the genomics approach can lead to the discovery of new markers for tumor diagnosis and treatment.
Dr. Daoud’s research focuses on the integration of genomics and proteomics in the molecular pharmacology of breast cancer. This research provides major opportunities for progress in rational drug discovery and individualization of therapy for cancer patients. In women with breast cancer, over 50 percent have a dysfunctional or mutated p53. These patients tend to have a poor prognosis for treatment and they tend to have relapses. Their cancer tends to be more aggressive, metastasizing to the bone, liver, lungs, or central nervous system, and they tend not to respond well to treatment.
Researchers have discovered how to restore the p53 gene to its normal function, but it is not known what consequences that restoration will have on the overall control of cell signaling. Dr. Daoud focuses on identifying “markers,” that could be protein in nature, which will be affected when the p53 gene is restored to its normal function. The identification of new markers will lead to drug discoveries that selectively target tumor cells, sparing damage to normal cells and limiting the side effects patients get from conventional treatment. Similarly, this approach could be used to understand the mechanisms and causes of cell death from exposing normal tissues to environmental toxins and radiation.
Contact Information
Sayed Daoud, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Pharmaceutical Sciences
Washington State University
PO Box 646534
Pullman, WA 99164-6534
Telephone: 509-335-8910
E-Mail: daoud@wsu.edu
Health and Life Sciences
- Sayed Daoud
- Linda Eddy
- Amy G. Mazur
- Mike Morgan
- David Pietz
- Francis Pierce
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