DNA Repair Capacity of NRAS-Mutant Melanoma Cells under Oxidative Stress and DNA Repair Inhibition

Student: Earl Brown

Project Mentors: Dr. Kaushal Rege – SEMTE
Dr. Vikram Kodibagkar – SBHSE
Dr. Jessica Weaver - SBHSE

YouTube Link: View the video link below before joining the zoom meeting

Zoom Link: https://asu.zoom.us/j/3849508487

Zoom meeting time: 9am - 11am

Abstract

B-Raf inhibitor resistance in NRAS-mutant melanoma cells results in poor prognosis and aggressive clinical behavior. Currently, there is a need for therapies that circumvent this resistance in NRAS-mutant melanoma. This research describes the use of a combination of APE1 and HSP90 inhibitors to induce cancer cell apoptosis through DNA damage. The comet assay technique was being used to study the effect of these therapeutics on the DNA in order to quantify the level of DNA damage. This will help to understand the effectiveness of APE1 and HSP90 inhibition as a therapeutic strategy, thus resulting in valuable pre-clinical data towards potential clinical use.