Dr. Ishmael’s research focuses on the use of new chemical entities from marine organisms and fungi as tool compounds to disrupt cell signaling and proteostasis in human cancer cells. With a special interest in glioblastoma, our goal is to identify and validate novel druggable targets for the treatment of human disease.
We are studying tissue regeneration and wound-healing using mice-models and 3D-human bioprinted skin. We utilize biodegradable nanofibers loaded with growth-factors, anti-microbial peptides and exosomes for efficient healing of chronic wounds in diabetes and hypoxia. Anti-cancer, anti-aging and anti-oxidant effects of bioactive compounds from hemp, hops and meadowfoam are being investigated.
The Philmus lab’s research centers on bioactive natural products (aka secondary metabolites) from bacteria with a focus on cyanobacteria (photosynthetic bacteria). We develop synthetic biology protocols, bioinformatics programs, and analytical chemistry methodologies to identify, isolate and study these compounds with the potential to serve as drug leads to combat cancer and microbial infections.
Taifo Mahmud’s research interests focus on natural product-based drug discovery and development. His group employs a multidisciplinary approach that utilizes cutting-edge technologies to produce novel pharmaceuticals. Some recent accomplishments of his group include discovering new families of enzymes and developing antimalarials, anti-cancers, and sunscreens through genetic engineering or synthetic biology.
Research in the Stevens laboratory is aimed at determining the role and function of vitamins and dietary phytochemicals in human health and disease. His pioneering work on the hop polyphenol, xanthohumol, has resulted in 40 papers and created a market for xanthohumol used in the management of inflammatory bowel disease.
Research in the Van Breemen laboratory concerns the identification of natural products that help maintain optimal health, prevent cancer, and prevent neurological degenerative diseases. Our research integrates the analytical tool of mass spectrometry into drug discovery, metabolism, disposition, bioavailability, and pharmacokinetics, and extends from basic science to clinical trials.
The Indra laboratory is investigating the mechanisms underlying the crosstalk between skin-cells and role of microenvironment in atopic-dermatitis, vitiligo, tumor-heterogeneity and in metastatic melanoma. We discovered different factors that regulate UV-induced melanocyte/epidermal stem-cell survival, proliferation and migration. The anti-cancer, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-ageing effects of bioactive natural compounds are further studied.