Dr. McCallum studies a compound, called alanosine, which exhibits anti-cancer activity against cells from sarcomas, mesothelioma, and pancreatic cancer. This compound is produced by a soil-dwelling bacterium. She seeks to elucidate how bacteria produce alanosine. Understanding the genes and enzymes that assemble this molecule will guide the discovery of additional novel chemotherapeutic agents that may be produced by bacteria.
Damon Runyon Researchers
Meet Our Scientists
Monica E. McCallum, PhD
Project title: "Understanding alanosine biosynthesis to discover new cancer chemotherapeutics"
Institution: Harvard University
Award Program: Fellow
Sponsor(s) / Mentor(s): Emily P. Balskus, PhD
Cancer Type: Pancreatic, Sarcoma
Research Area: Biochemistry
