Quinone Toxicity Project
In mammalian systems, many condensed aromatic compounds are converted into oxidized products by the body's detoxification systems. One group of oxidized aromatics is the quinones-many of which are highly cytotoxic. Quinones have been found as major components of diesel exhaust particles, and in airborne particles derived from wood and coal smoke. Also, several quinones have been investigated as potential anti-cancer drugs. However, the exact chemical mechanism that produces their toxic effect is still under debate. We are using a suite of quinones with systematically altered chemical properties to determine how different chemical interactions lead to cytotoxicity.
Students currently working on Quinone toxicity Project:
Joseph Orians
Jessica McLaughlin
Publications:
Shaw, R.E.; Backstrom, M.D.; Ciceraro, C.; Rautiola, D.S.; Orians, J. W.; and Mazzer, P.A. Investigations into the chemical
mechanism of action of a series of naphthoquinones. In preparation for Chemical Research in Toxicology
Presentations:
Orians, J., Shaw, R., and Mazzer, P. "Toxicity of quinones on leukemia cells." Third Annual Gathering of Local Chemistry Departments and Undergraduate Poster Session; Norfolk, VA, 2010.
Shaw, R. E.; *Backstrom, M. D.; and Mazzer, P. A. "Systematic study of the potential arylating capabilities of a series of benzoquinones, naphthoquinones, and anthraquinones." 236th National ACS Meeting; Philidelphia, PA. August 17-21, 2008.
