The focus of this research is to support a drug discovery effort in Panama by evaluating the extracts, fractions and pure compounds from various microorganisms for potentially useful biological activity. The therapeutic focus of this effort is in the area of cancer, CNS disorders, tropical parasites and agriculture.
Aims:
1. To evaluate various Panamanian microbial samples for anticancer activity using tumor cell lines in Panama and mechanistically-rich cell based assays with the Eisai Research Institute
2. To evaluate various Panamanian microbial samples for activity in central nervous system (CNS) assays employing cell-based assays and ion-channel assays with a US collaborator
3. To evaluate various Panamanian microbial samples for agrochemical utility through collaboration with Dow AgroSciences
4. To analyze various Panamanian microbial samples for clinically relevant activity against the protozoan parasites responsible for leishmaniasis, American trypanosomiasis (Chagas’ disease) and malaria
5. To aid in the development of promising lead compounds through participating in bioassay-guided fractionations, analysis of cross-resistance at an early stage of development, exploration of potential drug combinations, and active collaboration with our academic and industrial partners
6. To train students in the US and Panama in bioassays and modern natural products drug discovery and to publish and orally present the findings of our research efforts in high quality publications and international meetings
For more details about our panel of bioassays click here.
Personnel:
* Dennis Kyle (INDICASAT and University of South Florida)
* Carmenza Spadafora (INDICASAT)
* Marcy J. Balunas (Scripps Institution of Oceanography, INDICASAT and STRI)
Technicians (INDICASAT):
Alejandro Almanza (malaria)
Gina Della Togna (Leishmania)
Liuris Herrera (cancer)
Michelle Ng (Chagas’)
Laura Pineda (leishmaniasis)
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Alejandro Almanza
Gina Della Togna
Liuris Herrera
Michelle Ng
Laura Pineda