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Dr. Varadarajan
Research Interests
Publications
Students
Department of Chemistry and
Biochemistry
UNCW
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 I am currently working on an extended DIS project in the
Organic Chemistry laboratory of Dr. Sridhar Varadarajan. The overall focus of the lab is the
creation of molecules that will target and bind to the DNA of specific cancer
cells. It is believed that these molecules will form irreparable
bonds with the cancer cell’s DNA.
This will ultimately lead to the destruction of the cancer cells
without having toxic effects on the healthy cells of the body. My
research is focused on creating an inhibitory compound which may aid in the
effectiveness of these cell-specific DNA-damaging agents. Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP-1)
inhibitors shift the mode by which the cell dies in order to prevent the
release of toxic substances. PARP-1 inhibitors show a great deal of
promise in a multitude of medicinal chemistry applications. During the course
of my DIS I have synthesized various organic molecules which has helped me in
mastering some of the techniques commonly used in organic synthesis.
This project has proven to be an invaluable experience and I am grateful to
Dr. Varadarajan, and to the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, for the
opportunity to conduct such exciting research as an undergraduate. I am also
grateful to the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry for selecting me for
the GlaxoSmithKline Women in Science Mentoring Program, which has provided me
with an outstanding opportunity to interact with scientists in industry,
observe the work done in an industrial lab, and receive one-on-one advice and
mentoring from someone working in a pharmaceutical company.
Contact Info: kam8854@uncw.edu
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