UPRH Biomedical Research Improvement Program

University Of Puerto Rico At Humacao, Humacao PR

Investigators

Linked publications & trials

Abstract

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): The general aim of this SCORE application is the upgrade of physical and human resources at the University of Puerto Rico at Humacao (UPRH) in order to increase and improve its biomedical research activity. The following goals are set in pursuing this major aim: (1) to increase the biomedical research capacity at UPRH, (2) to increase the number of natural sciences faculty at UPRH involved in biomedical research and the number of biomedical research collaborations with research-intensive institutions, (3) to increase the number of submitted research grant applications from UPRH to extramural biomedical research agencies and (4) to increase the biomedical research productivity at UPRH. Goal (1) will be achieved by hiring a full-time technician for the operation and maintenance of our most sophisticated MBRS- funded equipment. Goal (2) will be accomplished starting with the addition of a Theoretical Physics investigator to our previous biomedical research faculty. This investigator is submitting a biomedical research proposal in this application dealing with the development and study of a new kinetic radiation-induced carcinogenesis model in two radiation environments, namely, at Earth (low and high-LET radiation), and outside Earth's magnetic field (deep space). Four other research investigators from the Chemistry department are also submitting research proposals in this application. One of these Chemistry projects deals with a study of the solvent dependence of enzyme enantioselectivity with the purpose of understanding and improving enzyme's activity, stability and enantioselectivity in organic solvents for the small and large scale synthesis of bio-relevant compounds. A second project looks for the developing of new phenothiazine derivatives (neurologically-active compounds) with less undesirable photocytotoxic effects. A third project proposes the design of improved methods for the estereoselective preparation of diverse kinds of amines with potential neurological effects. A fourth Chemistry project deals with a study on the roles of molecular structure and environment on the extent of production of reactive intermediates and DNA damage by quinones. It is expected that the development of these projects will improve the possibilities of producing more research proposal applications to other extramural agencies, more research collaborations and an increase in peer-reviewed publications with the concomitant recognition of our faculty and students in the international biomedical research community.