Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences Commons^™

Pro: The Use Of Sugammadex Does Not Preclude The Need For Objective Neuromuscular Monitoring., J Ross Renew, Dustin D. Linn

Parkview Pharmacy Department

Based on strong evidence, optimal management of neuromuscular block should incorporate objective (or quantitative) neuromuscular monitoring with appropriately dosed antagonists such as sugammadex. Sugammadex has the unique ability to antagonize aminosteroidal-induced neuromuscular block at any level; however, neostigmine is a reasonable alternative at minimal levels. Blind or excessive administration of sugammadex does not eliminate the risk of patients having postoperative residual neuromuscular block. Significant variability exists in how patients respond both to neuromuscular blocking agents and their antagonists.

Clinical Characteristics And Outcomes Of Pediatric Staphylococcal Scalded Skin Syndrome (Ssss) At An Inner-City Tertiary Care Center, Nina Kb Gust Md, Ashley Frei Bs, Rebecca M. Adams Bs, Elika Ridelman Phd, Christina Shanti Md, Ronald Thomas Phd, Jocelyn Y. Ang Md

Medical Student Research Symposium

Introduction

Staphylococcal Scalded Skin Syndrome (SSSS) is a blistering skin condition caused by a toxin-producing staphylococcus species. Epidemiologic studies on pediatric SSSS in the United States are limited, with a reported incidence of 7.67 cases per million children and 45.1 per million infants. Immature renal function, lack of protective antibodies, and increased exotoxin target desmoglein-1 are hypothesized to increase incidence in younger children. We aimed to determine clinical and microbiological characteristics of pediatric SSSS and factors that could help predict disease severity.

Methods

A retrospective chart review was performed for admitted patients under 18 years old diagnosed with SSSS from …

1st Place Contest Entry: Effectiveness Of Intravesical Bcg In The Treatment Of Nonmuscle Invasive Bladder Cancer: An Umbrella Review, Gerald Obinna Ozota

Eric M. Scandrett Graduate Library Research Prize

This is Gerald Obinna Ozota's submission for the 2025 Eric M. Scandrett Graduate Research Prize, which won first place. It contains their essay on using library resources, their bibliography, and a summary of their research project on conducting a systematic literature search to identify all relevant systematic reviews and meta-analyses investigating the effectiveness of intravesical Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) on Non-muscle-invasive Bladder Cancer (NIMBC).

Gerald is a student in the Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences program at Chapman University. Their faculty mentor is Dr. Lawrence Brown.

Short-Course Subcutaneous Alemtuzumab Induces Clinical Responses In Relapsed T-Cell Large Granular Leukemia, Miguel Ruiz, Zachary Braunstein, Eric Mclaughlin, Anjali Mishra, Pierluigi Porcu, Jonathan E. Brammer

Department of Medical Oncology Faculty Papers

No abstract provided.

Strengthening The Paediatric Clinical Trial Ecosystem To Better Inform Policy And Programmes, James A. Berkley, Judd L. Walson, Glenda Gray, Fiona Russell, Zulfiqar Ahmed Bhutta, Per Ashorn, Shane A. Norris, Ebunoluwa A. Adejuyigbe, Rebecca Grais, Bernhards Ogutu

Institute for Global Health and Development

The first WHO Global Clinical Trials Forum was convened in November, 2023 to develop a shared vision of an effective global clinical trial infrastructure. The Paediatric Clinical Trials Working Group was formed to provide perspectives, identify challenges, and propose solutions to strengthen the paediatric clinical trials ecosystem. Participants represented paediatric disciplines, including infectious diseases, nutrition, neonatology, pharmacology, oncology, neurodevelopment, public health, and policy. Childhood diseases have profound lifelong effects on health, livelihoods, and societies. Investment in early childhood results in highly cost-effective changes to lifelong health, productivity, and human capital returns. Yet, there remain substantial gaps in knowledge on the …

Penghambat Kanal Kalsium Sebagai Kontrol Glukosa Darah Pada Insulinoma: Sebuah Laporan Kasus, Nadhira Nizam, Ryan Tresna Putra, Anshari Saifuddin Hasibuan

Jurnal Penyakit Dalam Indonesia

Insulinoma is a rare neuroendocrine tumor of the pancreas arising from β-cells, leading to excessive insulin secretion and resultant hypoglycaemia. Surgical resection is the first-line treatment for insulinoma, but when surgery is not feasible, medical therapy is an important option. Calcium channel blockers (CCBs) such as verapamil can inhibit insulin release from β-cells and have been proposed as an adjunct therapy to help control blood glucose levels in insulinoma. We report a 43-year-old man who presented to the emergency department with decreased consciousness due to hypoglycaemia. His capillary blood glucose at home was 35 mg/dL, about 8 hours after his …

Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy: A Case Of The Broken Heart, Lilian Huynh, Kaylee Putney

Annual Research Symposium

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TC), or "broken heart syndrome," is a rare cardiac condition causing temporary left ventricular dysfunction due to severe stress. Though the exact cause is unclear, it mimics myocardial infarction and can lead to cardiogenic shock. Current treatment lacks specific guidelines and relies on heart failure protocols. We report a case of a patient with TC-induced cardiogenic shock, likely triggered by emotional stress. She required vasopressors, a percutaneous intervention, an Impella device, and guideline-directed medication therapies. This case underscores the significance of establishing guideline optimizations for managing TC and cardiogenic shock.

Polmacoxib: A Drug Review, Sakeer Hussain, Dr. Subramanian Ramaswamy , Professor, Mahabaleshwar Mamadapur Assistant Professor, Ananthu Ajikumar

International Journal of Health and Allied Sciences

Polmacoxib, a novel nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), has shown a promised therapeutic option for the management of osteoarthritis and other inflammatory conditions. This drug review mainly aims to provide a comprehensive overview of polmacoxib, focusing on its pharmacological properties, clinical efficacy, safety profile, and potential therapeutic applications. Polmacoxib is a notable drug due to its dual mechanism of action, combining selective COX-2 inhibition with inhibition of carbonic anhydrase, which may contribute to its enhanced anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. Being a selective COX-2 inhibitor, it helps minimize gastrointestinal side effects typically caused by conventional nonselective NSAIDs. Data from clinical studies suggest …

Incorporating Pediatrics In Clinical Education: A Call To Action In Inpatient Pharmacy Practice., Caroline M Sierra, Amanda C Capino, Cober M Petrea, Lea S Eiland, Norm Fenn Bcps, Bcpps, Nicholas M Fusco, Lucas E Orth

Parkview Pharmacy Department

Background

The recently revised 2025 Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) Standards state the expectations of Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experiences (APPEs) are to “emphasize continuity of care and incorporate acute, chronic, and wellness-promoting patient-care services…[and] expose students to diverse patient populations as related to age, sex race/ethnicity, socioeconomic factors…and disease states.”1 These expectations describe the conditions under which student pharmacists are expected to develop and demonstrate competence in the entrustable professional activities (EPAs), which were revised in 2022 to more accurately reflect current pharmacy practice.2 However, the definition of required APPE (Standard 3.2.d.) states that the inpatient patient …

Crosstalk Between Nnos/No And Cox-2 Enhances Interferon-Gamma-Stimulated Melanoma Progression, Anika Patel, Shirley Tong, Moom R. Roosan, Basir Syed, Amardeep Awasthi, Richard B. Silverman, Sun Yang

Pharmacy Faculty Articles and Research

Background/Objectives: Interferon gamma (IFN-γ) in the melanoma tumor microenvironment plays opposing roles, orchestrating both pro-tumorigenic activity and anticancer immune responses. Our previous studies demonstrated the role of neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) in IFN-γ-stimulated melanoma progression. However, the underlying mechanism has not been well defined. This study determined whether the nNOS/NO and COX-2/PGE2 signaling pathways crosstalk and augment the pro-tumorigenic effects of IFN-γ in melanoma. Methods: Bioinformatic analysis of patient and cellular proteomic data was conducted to identify proteins of interest associated with IFN-γ treatment in melanoma. Changes in protein expression were determined using various analytical techniques including …

In Vivo Evaluation Of Novel Nanoparticles And Repurposed Pharmaceuticals To Combat Antimicrobial Resistance, Sarah E. Evans

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

In a 2019 report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), infections resistant to antibiotic treatment amount to about three million infections and 48,000 deaths. Antimicrobial resistance is an escalating global threat as existing antibiotics lose efficacy over time. The project described is focused on partnering with pharmaceutical researchers and producers to test new nanoparticle-based or repurposed compounds. The central hypothesis of this thesis is that pharmaceutical formulations such as nanoparticles may provide a cost-effective means of combating the emerging antimicrobial resistance. The nanoparticle compounds allowed for a wide range of customization for the pharmaceutical design, since the …

Exosomes And Encapsulated Exomirs In Breast Cancer: Theragnostic Applications And Clinical Implications, Muhammad Imran Sajid, Shafia Bukhari, Hamid Ilyas, Rubina Malik, Minahil Fatima, Rakesh Kumar Tiwari, Surya M. Nauli, Khawaja Husnain Haider

Pharmacy Faculty Books and Book Chapters

Exosomes, released by cells, are small vesicles that have emerged as critical theranostic tools in breast cancer due to their unique ability to transport diverse biomolecules such as proteins, lipids, and RNAs, including microRNAs (ExomiRs). These vesicles are critical in modulating the tumor microenvironment, driving processes like cancer proliferation, invasion, metastasis, and drug resistance. Exosomal microRNAs such as ExomiR-21, ExomiR-1246, and ExomiR-155, with their profound influence on the gene expressions in the recipient cells, are the unsung heroes in tumor progression and immune modulation. This chapter delves into exosome's dual diagnostic and therapeutic potential in breast cancer. It highlights their …

Scaffolds With Spatiotemporally Controlled Growth Factor Delivery And Cyclodextrin-Enabled Antagonism Of Growth Factor Receptor Sequestration Promote Cutaneous Wound Healing, Jelena Marjanovic, Veronica Jurczuk, Lilian Valadares Tose, Yarixa Cintron Diaz, Francisco Fernandez Lima, Beatriz Abdo Abujamra, Sara Danker, Sinan Jabori, Devinder Singh, Jamie L. Burgess, Joshua Tam, Mohamadmahdi Samandari, Rivka C. Stone, Stephen C. Davis, Robert S. Kirsner, Marjana Tomic-Canic, Fotis M. Andreopoulos, Ivan Jozic

Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Faculty Publications

Chronic wounds present a major burden to patients, health care professionals, and health care systems worldwide, yet treatment options remain limited and often ineffective. Although initially promising, growth factor-based therapies displayed limited and underwhelming effectiveness largely due to poor bioavailabilbioity and impaired receptor function within the chronic wound microenvironment. Here we demonstrate that chronic wounds exhibit elevated cholesterol synthesis, which disrupts growth factor signaling by sequestering receptors within lipid rafts. To address this, we developed a novel therapy combining growth factors with cyclodextrin in an ECM-mimetic scaffold, enabling localized cholesterol modulation and improved receptor accessibility. We demonstrate that this approach …

The Chemical Straightjacket: Institutional Over-Use Of Psychotropic Drugs On Children In Lieu Of Therapeutic Community Mental Health Services, Marisa Leib-Neri

Indiana Journal of Law and Social Equality

This Article argues that the abysmal state of children’s mental health in America is in part due to an overreliance on and over prescription of psychotropic drugs inside psychiatric residential institutions in lieu of community based mental health services. This overreliance on residential institutions and psychotropic drugs has allowed a new form of chemical restraint to flourish—the chemical straitjacket. This Article uses the medication lists of twelve children in seven different North Carolina psychiatric residential treatment facilities to demonstrate how the chemical straitjacket operates: the prescription of drugs not approved for pediatric populations, counter to evidence-based practices for particular diagnoses, …

Medical-Grade Honey And Standard Dressings In Burn Wound Care: Evaluating Effectiveness, Cost, And Patient Outcomes, Chloe Shin, Andrew Golonka

Nursing | Student Research Posters

Background: Burn injuries burden the healthcare system globally as silver sulfadiazine (SSD) is the standard treatment even though it delays healing and is highly costly. Medical-grade honey (MGH) demonstrates superior antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, however, there are still evidence gaps when comparing effectiveness, cost efficiency, and patient centered outcomes. Purpose: This study aims to compare MGH and SSD amongst these gaps to inform evidence based burn care. Methods: A randomized controlled trial will enroll 100 people between 25-50 years of age with first and second degree burns, < 20% total body surface area within two hospital burn units. Participants will be assigned to either MGH or SSD treatment. The study will be a single blind design where dermatologists evaluating the wound photographs will not know the treatment given. Primary outcomes include wound healing time, infection rates, and patient reported pain scores. Secondary outcomes will focus on cost effectiveness analyses and patient quality of life. Standardized protocols will be implemented for data collection, wound assessment, and safety monitoring. Results: We anticipate that MGH will have lower infection rates, promote faster wound healing, improved outcomes from patient reports, and better cost effectiveness through shorter hospital stays and reduced medical treatments compared to SSD. Conclusion: This study will provide evidence comparing MGH and SSD across economic, clinical, and patient centered outcomes. If our hypothesis aligns with the results, MGH could be a new evidence based standard in burn care as it offers many advantages over SSD in patient comfort, healing efficiency, and medical costs. The findings will provide areas for future research, especially long term outcome and a bigger patient population.

Medical-Grade Honey And Standard Dressings In Burn Wound Care: Evaluating Effectiveness, Cost, And Patient Outcomes, Andrew Golonka, Chloe Shin

Nursing | Senior Theses

Background: Burn injuries burden the healthcare system globally as silver sulfadiazine (SSD) is the standard treatment even though it delays healing and is highly costly. Medical-grade honey (MGH) demonstrates superior antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, however, there are still evidence gaps when comparing effectiveness, cost efficiency, and patient centered outcomes. Purpose: This study aims to compare MGH and SSD amongst these gaps to inform evidence based burn care. Methods:A randomized controlled trial will enroll 100 people between 25-50 years of age with first and second degree burns, < 20% total body surface area within two hospital burn units. Participants will be assigned to either MGH or SSD treatment. The study will be a single blind design where dermatologists evaluating the wound photographs will not know the treatment given. Primary outcomes include wound healing time, infection rates, and patient reported pain scores. Secondary outcomes will focus on cost effectiveness analyses and patient quality of life. Standardized protocols will be implemented for data collection, wound assessment, and safety monitoring. Results: We anticipate that MGH will have lower infection rates, promote faster wound …

Magnetic And Ph-Sensitive Dual Actuation Of Biohybrid Microswimmer Of Targeted Drug Release Suitable For Cancer Cell Microenvironment, Richa Chaturvedi, Yumin Kang, Yunji Eom, Sri Ramulu Torati, Cheolgi Kim

Center for Bioelectronics Publications

The chemotherapeutic agents most frequently used in cancer treatment often have limited effectiveness because of their low specificity for tumors and poor therapeutic performance. In addition to the aforementioned therapeutic challenges the drug delivery carriers conjugated with the drug encounter early detection and elimination from the immune system before arriving at the affected area continues to be a significant research focus among researchers. To address this prevalent issue, an effective approach has been developed that leverages the physiological differences between normal and tumor tissue to enhance the efficacy of anticancer drugs. This drug delivery system is designed based on pH-sensitive …

A Diagnostic Challenge—Tinu Syndrome, Sophia Lee, Md, Claire Kassakian, Md

Books, Presentations, Posters, Etc.

Introduction: •TINU Syndrome: Tubulointerstitial Nephritis and Uveitis  rare multi-system syndrome  has renal manifestations typical of acute interstitial nephritis (AIN), in addition to bilateral anterior uveitis  not well-understood •Thought to be an immune-mediated process, although mechanisms for disease remain unclear  Likely secondary to a combination of genetic predisposition and certain environmental exposures •Genetic predisposition:  specific HLA phenotypes  possibly an auto-antigen to modified C-reactive protein (mCRP) •Potential triggers:  Infections: tuberculosis, EBV, varicella zoster, chlamydia, toxoplasma  Medications: antibiotics (β-lactams, meropenem, azithromycin, levofloxacin), NSAIDs, goreisan (Chinese herb)  Endocrine diseases: hypoparathyroidism, hyperparathyroidism, rheumatoid arthritis, IgG4-related autoimmune …

Antihypertensive Potential Of Euphorbia Hirta And Leptadenia Hastata In Adrenaline-Induced Wistar Rats, Fagbohun Oyenike Bushirat, Emmanuel Ogar Ochonung, Messiah Innocent Atapia, Hassan Abdulsalam Adewuyi, Sakariyau Aido Waheed, Adebimpe Oluwatoyin Hameedah, Chizoba Victory Obunadike, Adeleye Adegboyega Edema, Samad Hussein, Abiola Mohammed Usman, Tolulope Olukayode Jaiyeola

Chemistry & Biochemistry Faculty Publications

Background: Hypertension is a major public health concern worldwide, contributing to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. The use of plant-based therapies, such as Euphorbia hirta and Leptadenia hastata, has gained attention for their potential antioxidant, anti-hyperlipidemic, and organ-protective effects.

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the phytotherapeutic approach to hypertension using E. hirta and L. hastata extracts in adrenaline-induced hypertensive Wistar rats

Methods: Utilizing an adrenaline-induced hypertensive rat model, we assessed the effects of E. hirta and L. hastata leaf extracts (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg) on systolic blood pressure, renal function, lipid metabolism, and hematological parameters.

Results: Antioxidant activity: …

Using Hyperactive Shp-2 Mutants, A Phosphatase, To Identify Interactions With The Rna Helicase Ddx3, Devin Montgomery

Theses and Dissertations--Pharmacy

Protein-protein interactions are critical in cellular signaling pathways. This project investigates binding interactions between SHP-2, a tyrosine phosphatase, and DDX3, an RNA helicase. There is a specific focus on the impact that gain-of-function SHP-2 mutations may impact binding to DDX3 via conformational change. Using immunoprecipitation protocols as well as western blotting we were able to provide insights into SHP-2 molecular mechanisms and subsequent binding to DDX3.

Novel Micro-And Nanoformulations Of Paclitaxel For Targeting Metastatic Breast, Non-Small Cell Lung, And Pancreatic Cancers, Lobat Tayebi, Mehran Alavi

Electrical & Computer Engineering Faculty Publications

Nonlinear pharmacokinetics resulting from high lipophilic and low oral bioavailability, and hypersensitivity reactions and hyperlipidemia caused by formulation by Cremophor EL have limited clinical effectiveness of paclitaxel (Taxol). In this way, there is the critical necessity of innovative drug delivery systems (DDSs) to mitigate severe side effects and overcome clinical limitations of paclitaxel. In recent years, various micro- and nanoformulations, specifically polymeric nanoparticles (NPs) and lipid NPs, have been presented and approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). In addition, other nanoformulations, such as polymeric nanoparticles (NPs), micelles, liposomes, and mesoporous silica nanoparticles, have shown promising results in vitro …

Alpha-Synuclein Interaction With Gedunin, Tony Matundura Nyabayo

Graduate Theses/Dissertations

Parkinson’s disease (PD) and other Proteinopathies develop when α-synuclein misfolds and aggregates into toxic amyloids. While existing treatments for PD are primarily focused on managing its symptoms, a viable solution for slowing down the progress of Parkinson’s disease involves targeting the toxic α-synuclein amyloids. Gedunin, a natural inhibitor of heat shock protein 90, has been extensively used to treat malaria. Also, recent research investigations have shed light on its potential beyond malaria therapy, indicating that Gedunin may offer a possible solution for treating a variety of neurodegenerative diseases. Using plate-based assays, we examined how Gedunin influences α-synuclein fibrillation and its …

Protein Marker-Dependent Drug Discovery Targeting Breast Cancer Stem Cells, Ashley V. Huang, Yali Kong, Kan Wang, Milton L. Brown, David Mu

Department of Biomedical and Translational Sciences Faculty Publications

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers globally. Unfortunately, many patients with breast cancer develop resistance to chemotherapy and tumor recurrence, which is primarily driven by breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs). BCSCs behave like stem cells and can self-renew and differentiate into mature tumor cells, enabling the cancer to regrow and metastasize. Key markers like CD44 and aldehyde dehydrogenase-1 (ALDH1), along with pathways like Wingless-related integration site (Wnt), Notch, and Hedgehog, are critical to regulating this stem-like behavior of BCSCs and, thus, are being investigated as targets for various new therapies. This review summarizes marker-dependent strategies for targeting …

High-Throughput Drug Screening For Disease-Modifying Arthritis Therapy, Janapriya Vijayakumar

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Current therapy for arthritis predominantly focuses on the symptoms rather than the underlying causes of disease progression. Thus, it is necessary to identify novel drugs which target the underlying molecular basis of such diseases. Using high-throughput cell-based drug screening, we screened 458 different compounds, narrowed down from 811 starting compounds from the NIH Mechanistic Set. We selected drugs from the Mechanistic Set following Lipinski's Rule of 5 to ensure optimal pharmacokinetic properties. The study used modified primary human chondrocytes (IIAM-PRG4Luc), which secrete a lubricin promoter-driven luciferase reporter. We use this luciferase expression as a proxy to measure lubricin, a compound …

Investigation Of Lubricin-Stimulating Fda-Approved Compounds For A Disease-Modifying Osteoarthritic Drug, Swathi S. Menon

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative disease that affects many people worldwide. Current methods of treatment are palliative, and no treatment exists to fully reverse or cure OA once it begins to progress. The discovery of a disease-modifying osteoarthritic drug (DMOAD) would increase the quality of life for millions and reduce the need for invasive procedures. Screening FDA-approved drugs ensures more promise due to their known safety profile and potential for faster translation to the clinic. The goal of this project was to conduct dose-response assays with FDA-approved drugs that have been shown to stimulate lubricin production in cells that mimic …

Immersive Medical Practice And Clinical Training: Virtual And Mixed Reality In Pharmacy And Orthopedic Surgery, Silas Semprini De Toledo Contaifer

Theses and Dissertations

Extended‑reality (XR) technologies including virtual reality (VR) and mixed reality (MR) offer new ways to improve training and surgical precision. This thesis evaluates their educational and clinical impact through two complementary studies.

Specific Aim 1 compared an immersive 360° video VR module with conventional training for teaching USP < 797> sterile‑compounding skills to second‑year PharmD students (N = 36). VR trainees raised their knowledge from 6.14 ± 1.55 to 8.69 ± 1.07, yet the overall post‑test advantage versus control was not statistically significant (U = 71.50, p = 0.21). Item‑level McNemar testing showed significant VR‑exclusive gains on three critical questions (K5, K6, …

Levetiracetam-Induced Acute Kidney Injury In A Pediatric Patient, Makaila A. Geese Pharmd Candidate, Norm Fenn Bcps, Bcpps

Parkview Pharmacy Department

Presented at PPA Meeting.

Objective: To describe a case of acute kidney injury following levetiracetam administration in an adolescent patient.

Key takeaways:

Acute kidney injury (AKI) following levetiracetam is rare, especially in pediatric patients

Kidney injury was not correlated with supratherapeutic levetiracetam concentrations

Morganella Morganii Meningitis In A Neonate: A Case Report, Madelin Vessels Pharmd Candiadate, Cassie Rough Pharmd Candidate, Robyn Schmucker Md, Mph, Norm Fenn Bcps, Bcpps

Parkview Pharmacy Department

Presented at Midyear Clinical Meeting

Objective: To summarize the interventions that took place to add to the limited data that exists in the world surrounding the treatment and outcomes of M. morganii infections.

Key takeaways: 

• M. morganii meningitis is highly rare in neonates
• There are no defined treatment guidelines or outcomes available to date
• Cefepime sufficiently treated M. morganii meningitis, bacteremia, and concurrent E. coli urinary tract infection

Comparison Of Isoflurane To Sevoflurane In A Pediatric Patient With Refractory Status Asthmaticus: A Case Report, Janella Rianna N. Benitez Mba, Pharmd, Norm Fenn Bcps, Bcpps, Fashp

Parkview Pharmacy Department

Presented at Midyear Clinical Meeting.

Objective: To describe the use of inhaled anesthetics in a pediatric patient with severe, refractory status asthmaticus unresponsive to conventional therapies.

A Novel D-Peptide Modulates Dclk1 Gelsolin Interactions, Reducing Pdac Tumor Growth, Landon L. Moore, Dongfeng Qu, Parthasarathy Chandrekesan, Kamille Pitts, Randal May, Byron E. Anderson, Milton L. Brown, Courtney W. Houchen

Department of Medicine Faculty Publications

What drives inflammation-associated tumorigenesis and progression in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC)? Doublecortin-like kinase 1 (DCLK1) is a central driver of inflammation-associated tumorigenesis, with elevated expression linked to worse clinical outcomes. Two isoforms of DCLK1 possess a unique extracellular domain (ECD). DCLK1 isoform 2 contains two microtubule-binding domains, while isoform 4, lacks the microtubule-binding domains but, plays a pivotal role in tumor progression. We identified novel D-peptides that selectively target this ECD, significantly suppressing PDAC cell proliferation in vitro and tumor growth in xenograft models without inducing cell death. In silico modeling and binding assays revealed DCLK1 isoform 4 interacts with …