The main goal of this NIH funded project project is to characterize the DNA binding capacity and mutational activity of four novel bioreductive anticancer drugs. These novel compounds have synthesized belongs to a new family of cationic alkaloids known as benzazolo[3,2-a]quinolinium salts (BQS's). Dr. Zayas´s group have been working on the caharacterization of the mechanism of action of these potentail anti cancer agents. The analysis of DNA adduct formation is also being study with the aplication of high performance liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS) to characterize the nucleoside interaction capacity. The cell toxicity, apoptosis induction and caspases activation of these drugs are being analyzed with tumor cells in culture. Further studies are being performed to better described the binding of these cationic compunds with key cellular organelles such as mitochondria and DNA.

The main goal of this NIH funded project project is to characterize the DNA binding capacity and mutational activity of four novel bioreductive anticancer drugs. These novel compounds have synthesized belongs to a new family of cationic alkaloids known as benzazolo[3,2-a]quinolinium salts (BQS's). Dr. Zayas´s group have been working on the caharacterization of the mechanism of action of these potentail anti cancer agents. The analysis of DNA adduct formation is also being study with the aplication of high performance liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS) to characterize the nucleoside interaction capacity. The cell toxicity, apoptosis induction and caspases activation of these drugs are being analyzed with tumor cells in culture. Further studies are being performed to better described the binding of these cationic compunds with key cellular organelles such as mitochondria and DNA.