Kevin E. Riley
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Postdoctoral Fellow: The Czech Academy of Sciences
Postdoctoral Fellow: The University of Florida
Ph.D. Chemistry: The Pennsylvania State University
B.A. Chemistry/Physics: The University of New Mexico
Research Interests
Postdoctoral Fellow: The University of Florida
Ph.D. Chemistry: The Pennsylvania State University
B.A. Chemistry/Physics: The University of New Mexico
Research Interests
The general theme for the work done here is the elucidation of the roles of non-covalent interactions in stabilizing complexes within proteins, between proteins and small molecules, and between DNA/RNA and small molecules.
One of the main focuses of my research is the investigation of the interactions of proteins with small molecules. Often these small molecules in question are either natural or synthetic ligands known to interact with the protein in such a way that a specific response ensues. Examples are the interactions of natural and synthetic estrogen hormones with the estrogen receptor. The activation of this receptor has implications in tissue growth and development and has been indicated in diseases such as breast cancer, prostate cancer, and coronary heart disease. The studies that are done here seek to determine the mechanisms for activation of the estrogen receptor through ligand binding. The ultimate goal is to formulate an understanding of the ways that ligands bind to the estrogen receptor so that new types of ligands (drugs) can be designed to exert a desired estrogen receptor response that will ameliorate undesired estrogenic effects.
Other projects of interest are studies of the interactions of substituted benzenes and other aromatic and heterocyclic aromatic compounds with DNA and RNA. The stacking interactions of aromatic species with DNA/RNA base pairs is useful in the development of intercalator drugs, which may be of pharmaceutical value in the treatment of genetic disorders.
One of the main focuses of my research is the investigation of the interactions of proteins with small molecules. Often these small molecules in question are either natural or synthetic ligands known to interact with the protein in such a way that a specific response ensues. Examples are the interactions of natural and synthetic estrogen hormones with the estrogen receptor. The activation of this receptor has implications in tissue growth and development and has been indicated in diseases such as breast cancer, prostate cancer, and coronary heart disease. The studies that are done here seek to determine the mechanisms for activation of the estrogen receptor through ligand binding. The ultimate goal is to formulate an understanding of the ways that ligands bind to the estrogen receptor so that new types of ligands (drugs) can be designed to exert a desired estrogen receptor response that will ameliorate undesired estrogenic effects.
Other projects of interest are studies of the interactions of substituted benzenes and other aromatic and heterocyclic aromatic compounds with DNA and RNA. The stacking interactions of aromatic species with DNA/RNA base pairs is useful in the development of intercalator drugs, which may be of pharmaceutical value in the treatment of genetic disorders.