Robert L. Stiles P'71 University Fellows Endowment

Acridine dyes are commonly used for DNA-drug interaction studies because their polycyclic, planar, and aromatic structures can intercalate between adjacent DNA bases, stopping transcription and serving as potential chemotherapeutic agents. In my research, I have prepared a number of acridine derivatives to understand DNA-ligand interactions and structure-activity relationships better.

Cancer is caused by cellular malfunction resulting in unchecked cell growth. When cells grow uncontrollably, they can crowd out nearby cells and spread to other parts of the body. The major cause of cancer is gene mutations, often caused by external carcinogens, which alter the DNA and other biological machinery required to keep our cell growth balanced.  Many cancers are hard to treat, and researchers are still trying to find selective anticancer drugs with mild or no side effects.