Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Associate Professor, Med-Oncology

Email Dr. Bates
Phone Number: 502-852-2432
Fax: 502-852-6222

MS05-76 Baxter I Research Building
Louisville, KY 40202

Ph.D, University of London, The Institute of Cancer Research/ Royal Marsden Hospital, Sutton, UK. Lab Home Page

Area of Interest:

Laboratory Personnel:

My laboratory is researching a novel class of guanosine-rich oligonucleotides that can inhibit proliferation and induce cell death in many types of cancer cells, whereas they have less effect on normal cells. One of these oligonucleotides (AGRO100, now known as AS1411) is currently being tested in human clinical trials. The G-rich oligonucleotides are capable of forming unusual structures known as G-quadruplexes and function as aptamers by binding to specific cellular proteins. I have identified the major target protein for these oligonucleotides as nucleolin, a multi-functional protein whose levels correlate with the rate of cell proliferation. Current studies concern mechanistic aspects of the observed anticancer effects, the relationship between oligonucleotide structure and activity, and the development of these oligonucleotides as therapeutic agents. I also am examining the role of nucleolin in cancer cell biology and its potential as a novel target for cancer drug discovery, with the ultimate aim of developing new anticancer agents targeted to nucleolin.