Dr. Wagman studies various aspects of cancer biology and treatment, particularly how melanoma, pancreatic cancer, and bacterial infections are affected by drug resistance and oxidative stress. His research includes testing new drugs that target specific proteins and enzymes to enhance treatment effectiveness. For instance, he investigates how altering the composition of cell membranes in melanoma can boost the effectiveness of treatments. Additionally, he explores the use of 3D models for pancreatic carcinoma to better simulate drug responses and improve testing methods. This research is crucial as it not only aims to develop more effective treatments but also to find ways to recognize and manage cancer more effectively in patients.
Key findings
In a study on melanoma, the survival rate of resistant models increased from 15% to 72% when combining FASN inhibitors with standard therapy.
Researchers identified RCAN1 as a significant marker for oxidative stress, with levels significantly higher in patients with acute pancreatitis compared to healthy individuals.
Development of 7,8-bridged fluoroquinolones showed promising effectiveness against antibiotic-resistant bacteria by tightly binding to key enzymes.
The study on pancreatic cancer found that drug effectiveness was notably reduced in 3D models, highlighting the need for improved testing methods.
NVP-BKM120, an oral Class I PI3 kinase inhibitor, showed effective tumor growth inhibition in lab and animal models, particularly for ovarian and brain cancers.
Frequently asked questions
Does Dr. Wagman study melanoma?
Yes, Dr. Wagman researches melanoma, especially focusing on overcoming resistance to available treatments.
What treatments has Dr. Wagman researched?
He has researched various treatments, including new drugs targeting specific enzymes in cancer cells and therapies that enhance the effectiveness of existing treatments.
Is Dr. Wagman's work relevant to patients with pancreatic cancer?
Yes, his research on improving drug testing methods and treatment options directly benefits patients with pancreatic cancer.
What conditions related to oxidative stress does Dr. Wagman study?
He studies conditions like acute pancreatitis, looking for markers that can help assess the severity and improve patient care.
How does Dr. Wagman's research impact antibiotic resistance?
His work on new antibacterial drugs aims to provide more effective treatments against antibiotic-resistant infections.
Publications in plain English
Pharmacological induction of membrane lipid poly-unsaturation sensitizes melanoma to ROS inducers and overcomes acquired resistance to targeted therapy.
2023
Journal of experimental & clinical cancer research : CR
Talebi A, de Laat V, Spotbeen X, Dehairs J, Rambow F +19 more
Plain English This study focused on overcoming resistance to targeted therapies in melanoma, particularly BRAF-mutant melanoma. Researchers found that a protein called FASN, which is linked to how cell membranes are made, increases when cancer cells become resistant to treatment. By using a drug to inhibit FASN alongside standard therapy and compounds that induce oxidative stress (ROS), they increased the survival rate of resistant melanoma models from 15% to 72% without causing additional harm.
Who this helps: This benefits patients with melanoma, especially those who have developed resistance to current treatments.
RCAN1 is a marker of oxidative stress, induced in acute pancreatitis.
2018
Pancreatology : official journal of the International Association of Pancreatology (IAP) ... [et al.]
Norberg KJ, Nania S, Li X, Gao H, Szatmary P +7 more
Plain English This study looked at a potential new marker called RCAN1, which is linked to oxidative stress during acute pancreatitis, a severe inflammation of the pancreas. Researchers found that RCAN1 levels were significantly higher in blood samples from mice and human patients with acute pancreatitis compared to healthy individuals. This finding is important because it could help doctors quickly identify and assess the severity of acute pancreatitis, improving patient care.
Who this helps: This helps patients with acute pancreatitis and their doctors.
Exploring the active site of the Streptococcus pneumoniae topoisomerase IV-DNA cleavage complex with novel 7,8-bridged fluoroquinolones.
2016
Open biology
Laponogov I, Pan XS, Veselkov DA, Cirz RT, Wagman A +3 more
Plain English This study examined new antibacterial drugs called 7,8-bridged fluoroquinolones that target a particular enzyme in the bacteria Streptococcus pneumoniae, which can cause serious infections. Researchers found that these new drugs can tightly bind to the enzyme and DNA, making them potentially effective against antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Since fluoroquinolones are less likely to face resistance compared to other antibiotic classes, enhancing this drug family is important for better treatment options.
Who this helps: This benefits patients with infections caused by drug-resistant bacteria.
3D pancreatic carcinoma spheroids induce a matrix-rich, chemoresistant phenotype offering a better model for drug testing.
2013
BMC cancer
Longati P, Jia X, Eimer J, Wagman A, Witt MR +5 more
Plain English This study looked at how pancreatic cancer cells grow in three dimensions (3D) compared to the usual flat, two-dimensional (2D) cultures used for drug testing. The researchers found that the 3D models showed significantly increased resistance to drugs, with important proteins and genetic factors being more active in these conditions. For example, when testing multiple drugs, most were less effective in the 3D model, with only a few showing promise against the aggressive cancer, indicating that this new approach could better mimic how the cancer behaves in real patients.
Who this helps: This benefits patients with pancreatic cancer by improving drug testing methods.
Synthesis and in Vitro and in Vivo Evaluation of Phosphoinositide-3-kinase Inhibitors.
2011
ACS medicinal chemistry letters
Burger MT, Knapp M, Wagman A, Ni ZJ, Hendrickson T +15 more
Plain English This study focused on developing new drugs that target a specific part of cancer cell signaling called phosphoinositide-3-kinases (PI3K), which are linked to many types of cancer. Researchers created a new series of compounds and found one, labeled as compound 17, that effectively inhibited PI3K and helped to block tumor growth in mice. Specifically, it improved the drug's ability to affect the cancer cells while minimizing side effects, showing promising results in slowing down tumor growth.
Who this helps: This helps patients with various types of cancer who may benefit from more effective treatments.
Identification of NVP-BKM120 as a Potent, Selective, Orally Bioavailable Class I PI3 Kinase Inhibitor for Treating Cancer.
2011
ACS medicinal chemistry letters
Burger MT, Pecchi S, Wagman A, Ni ZJ, Knapp M +25 more
Plain English This research studied a new drug called NVP-BKM120, designed to target a specific group of enzymes involved in many types of cancer. The researchers found that NVP-BKM120 effectively blocked these enzymes in cancer cells, showing promising results in lab tests and in animal models, particularly for ovarian and brain cancers. This is important because it could lead to better treatment options for patients with tumors driven by these enzymes.
Who this helps: This helps cancer patients, particularly those with ovarian and brain tumors.
Positive patch-test reactions to gold: patients' perception of relevance and the role of titanium dioxide in cosmetics.
2005
Dermatitis : contact, atopic, occupational, drug
Nedorost S, Wagman A
Plain English This study focused on how patients with gold allergies perceive their reactions to gold and whether avoiding gold can improve their skin conditions. Out of 49 women who responded to a survey, one-third found gold patch testing helpful, while the majority experienced skin improvement after avoiding gold, although many were also avoiding other allergens. Notably, stopping the use of gold jewelry on hands helped some patients with facial and eyelid dermatitis, especially those using certain makeup products.
Who this helps: This research benefits patients with gold allergies, especially women experiencing skin problems related to cosmetics.
National institute of mental health clinical research career opportunities.
1990
Academic psychiatry : the journal of the American Association of Directors of Psychiatric Residency Training and the Association for Academic Psychiatry
Shore D, Lash L, Hadley S, Wagman A, Schulz SC
Plain English This paper discusses the various research support opportunities offered by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) for mental health professionals who want to pursue clinical research careers. NIMH has recently expanded funding options to address important issues like schizophrenia, AIDS, and mental disorders affecting children and the elderly. The article lists different grant types, their guidelines, and how the grant review process works, ensuring researchers have the essential information needed to apply.
Who this helps: This benefits mental health professionals and researchers seeking funding opportunities.