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Robert Damoiseaux

Publications and source records attributed to Robert Damoiseaux.

5 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Cell-based chemical genetic screen identifies damnacanthal as an inhibitor of HIV-1 Vpr induced cell death.

Viral protein R (Vpr), one of the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) accessory proteins, contributes to multiple cytopathic effects, G2 cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. The mechanisms of Vpr have been intensely studied because it is believed that they underlie HIV-1 pathogenesis. We here report a cell-based small molecule screen on Vpr induced cell death in the context of HIV-1 infection. From the screen of 504 bioactive compounds, we identified damnacanthal (Dam), a component of noni [corrected] as an inhibitor of Vpr induced cell death. Our studies illustrate a novel efficient platform for drug discovery and development in anti-HIV therapy which should also be applicable to other viruses.

Anthraquinones↗
PubMed2004

PNA-encoded protease substrate microarrays.

Our current understanding of the role and regulation of protease activity in normal and pathogenic processes is limited by our ability to measure and deconvolute their enzymatic activity. To address this limitation, an approach was developed that utilizes rhodamine-based fluorogenic substrates encoded with PNA tags. The PNA tags address each of the substrates to a predefined location on an oligonucleotide microarray through hybridization, thus allowing the deconvolution of multiple signals from a solution. A library of 192 protease substrates was prepared by split and mix combinatorial synthesis. The methodology and validation of this approach for profiling proteolytic activity from single proteases and from those in crude cell lysates as well as clinical blood samples is described.

Humans↗
PubMed2003

SRC family kinases: potential targets for the treatment of human cancer and leukemia.

The inherited or acquired deregulation of protein kinase activity has been implicated in the pathogenesis of many human diseases, including cancer. Therefore, the inhibition of kinases has been proposed to be a promising strategy in the context of anti-cancer treatment. Many other kinases have been selected as drug discovery targets based on the prevalence of mutations, over-expression and unscheduled activation in human cancer. Of the various protein kinases chosen, Src family kinases are amongst the most extensively studied kinase oncogenes in academia and industry. This review focuses on our current understanding of the deregulation and role of Src family kinases in human cancer and leukemia. Recent data implicate the action of c-Src in cancer metastasis, mediated by up-regulation of various protease systems (calpain, uPA) as well as disruption of E-cadherin signalling. Moreover, novel roles of various Src family members in the development of human leukemia have been found. New insights into downstream signalling mechanisms, including the activation of STAT3, PDK1 and Akt, further corroborate the importance of Src family kinases in tumorigenesis and chemoresistance. Despite our rather clear understanding of Src family kinases as pro-oncogenes no Src family kinase inhibitor has entered a clinical trial so far. This review will discuss prerequisites to be fulfilled for clinically targeting c-Src and its homologues using small molecule drugs.

Breast Neoplasms↗