UCL Cancer Institute Guest seminar

KRAS proteins play a direct, causal role in human cancer.  The KRAS protein has been difficult to target directly, as it lacks a deep pocket to which small molecules can bind. We have used covalent tethering to identify small molecule that bind at new pockets on KRAS, as well as Second Harmonic Generation to identify compounds that cause allosteric changes.  We have also targeted the KRAS 4b isoform specifically with compounds that affect KRAS phosphorylation and downstream signaling. Finally, we have analyzed how the RAS GAP neurofibromin is regulated and identified a mechanism that could be targeted therapeutically.

Frank McCormick, PhD, FRS, is Professor of the UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center. Prior to joining the UCSF faculty, Dr McCormick pursued cancer-related work with several Bay Area biotechnology firms. At Onyx Pharmaceuticals, a company he founded in 1992 dedicated to developing new cancer therapies, he initiated and led drug discovery efforts that led to the approval of Sorafenib for treatment of renal cell cancer and liver cancer. Dr McCormick is the author of over 285 scientific publications and holds 20 issued patents. He also served as President, 2012-2013 for the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR). More recently, he has taken a leadership role at the Frederick National Lab for Cancer Research, overseeing an NCI supported national effort to develop therapies against Ras-driven cancers. These cancers include most pancreatic cancers, and many colorectal and lung cancers, and are amongst the most difficult cancers to treat.

Hosted by: Professor Bart Vanhaesebroeck & Pablo Rodriguez-Viciana

The seminar will be followed by a canapé reception at the courtyard cafe

Location

Courtyard Café
UCL Cancer Institute
Paul O'Gorman Building
London, WC1E 6DD

Contact: Veronica Dominguez v.dominguez@ucl.ac.ukView Map

The UCL Cancer Institute Research Trust would like to thank The Constance Travis Charitable Trust and the Finborough Foundation for supporting this seminar series.