Dr. Thomsen [Suzanne and Bob Wright Fellow] is studying the mechanism by which a newly discovered class of small molecules can activate enzymes known as caspases and induce programmed cell death (apoptosis) in cancer cells. Disruption of apoptosis is a defining feature of many cancers. Understanding the mechanism of small molecule-induced caspase activation may thus directly contribute to the rational design of improved cancer therapies.

 

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Project Title: "Molecular and cellular mechanism of caspase activation by small molecule proenzyme activators"

Institution: University of California, San Francisco

Sponsor(s) / Mentor(s): James A. Wells, PhD

Cancer Type: All cancers

Research Area: Chemical Biology