Expertise

My work has focused on translational research in DNA damage and repair, specifically, to determine how those activities can be exploited therapeutically to treat cancers and protect normal cells from oxidative and DNA base damage. Since 1993, I have focused specifically on the enzyme apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease 1/ Redox effector factor-1 (APE1/Ref-1)—mechanistically as well as a therapeutic target in cancers and other diseases that manifest cancer-like properties.

A brief overview of my research includes:

  1. Comprehensive molecular characterization of the APE1/Ref-1 enzyme and its functions
  2. Discoveries that APE1/Ref-1’s redox activities help maintain the DNA-binding capability of numerous transcription factors (Fos, Jun, HIF-1α, PAX, NF-kB, STAT3, as well as p53), and the therapeutic value of modulating that redox activity
  3. Anti-angiogenesis and anti-inflammatory therapeutics in cancer and non-cancer systems and impact on tumor microenvironment
  4. Studies relating to DNA damage and repair of neuronal cells resulting in chemotherapy induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN)
  5. Identification and development of small-molecule inhibitors of both APE1/Ref-1’s redox signaling and DNA repair functions, including development of APX3330 for Phase 1/2 trials in cancer
Past Affiliations

Professor, Herman B. Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Centers and Institutes, Indiana University School of Medicine

Associate Director, Herman B Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, School of Medicine (past)

Professor, Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, School of Medicine (past)

Adjunct Faculty, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, School of Medicine (past)

Jonathan and Jennifer Simmons Professor, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, School of Medicine (past)

Associate Director, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, School of Medicine (past)

Adjunct Professor, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, School of Medicine (past)

Professor, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, School of Medicine (past)

Jonathan and Jennifer Simmons Professor, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, School of Medicine (past)

Associate Director, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, School of Medicine (past)

Jonathon and Jennifer Simmons Professor, Melvin and Bren Simon Cancer Center, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, School of Medicine (past)

Communities
Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Oncology, Pediatrics, Cellular Biochemistry, Molecular Biochemistry
Degrees
PhD, Louisiana State University, Genetics, 1984
MS, Louisiana State University, Zoology, 1981
BA, DePauw University, Zoology, 1979
Keywords
russian history cancer or carcinogenesis tumors health physics chemotherapeutic agents gene therapy molecular cloning dna repair
Honors

Betty and Earl Herr Chair in Pediatric Oncology Research, Private funding (Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis), 2008

Jonathan and Jennifer Simmons Professor of Pediatrics, Private Funding (Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis), 2001-2008