Department of Chemistry Seminar Series
Presenter: Dr. Kamal Seneviratne’s, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, UMBC
Title: Understanding drug disposition and response using mass spectrometry imaging-based spatial omics
Date: Thursday, October 17
Time: 11:00 AM
Location: SC 4230
Abstract: In this presentation, I will talk about efavirenz (EFV)-induced brain lipid metabolism alterations. Recently, my laboratory has developed a fundamental mechanistic framework to understand EFV response in the brain using mass spectrometry imaging, proteomics, and biochemical approaches. Through this work, we have identified key lipid molecules, including sphingomyelins and ceramides along with their metabolic enzymes that are altered in response to EFV treatment in mice. Further, we seek to understand the precise role of lipid metabolism in drug-induced toxicities using mechanistic approaches. In the second part, I will focus on nucleotidase-mediated drug dephosphorylation. Despite the importance of nucleoside analogs as anticancer and antiviral agents, the tissue disposition of their pharmacologically active metabolites remains to be elucidated. Recently, my laboratory has found that nucleotidases are responsible for the dephosphorylation of pharmacology active metabolites of commonly used drugs such as tenofovir and emtricitabine in vitro. The role of nucleotidases in dephosphorylating pharmacologically active metabolites was investigated using biochemical, molecular biology, and mass spectrometry-based proteomics approaches. Taken together, the results from the above work provide novel insights into the response and disposition of clinically used drugs.
Snacks, pizza and drinks will be provided. Stay for the info session about the Chemistry Graduate Program at UMBC following the pizza lunch event.
Categorised in: General
This post was written by Charles, Amanda G.