Edward J Merino
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Assistant Professor, Chemistry
BA, University of San Diego, 2000
PhD, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, 2005
Postdoctoral Fellow, California Institute of Technology, 2005-2008 |
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Biography | Eddie Merino is a chemist with research interests in studying the interplay between oxidative stress, DNA damage, and cancer. After earning an undergraduate degree from the University of San Diego in 2000, he studied under the direction of Dr. Kevin M. Weeks at University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. While there, his graduate research focused on DNA biosensors and nucleic acid footprinting methods. He received his PhD from UNC in 2005. He then took a postdoctoral position at the California Institute of Technology working with Professor Jacqueline K. Barton. While in Pasadena, he worked in the area of oxidative stress and the formation of mutations involved in cancers. This background has helped him become an expert at creating novel nucleic acid techniques and technologies that will be used in the fight against cancer. In 2008, he moved to his current position in Cincinnati.
Research Interests: I am interested in the causes and implications of DNA mutations, 
especially mutations involved in cancer. Specifically, mutations to both polymerases and
mismatch repair genes are common in many tumors. Mutated repair and replication
machinery is thought to increase the general rate of mutation. High rates of mutation lead to a tumor acquiring an adaptive advantage. My group’s goal is to understand, identify, and stop the tendency toward higher mutation rates in tumors by utilizing biochemical techniques.
Understanding: Biochemists often examine how a single repair protein interacts with DNA. In reality, cells employ a “repairosome” comprised of many gene products. I hypothesize that many cancerous mutations harm the delicate protein-protein interactions of the repairosome. My lab will devise methods to analyze the repairosome in tumors and healthy cells.
Identifying: What are the markers that indicate a tumor has acquired an adaptive advantage?
 Many studies look at DNA damage products and other diagnostic markers. Each has advantages and disadvantages. One overlooked possibility is to examine oxidized peptides as markers for cancers. This work can lead to novel diagnostics.
Stopping: Mutations can arise from unfaithful replication of oxidized DNA bases. By designing reagents that stop replication of oxidized bases, we may hinder tumor growth. Our work can lead to the design of novel chemotherapeutics.
Last updated Monday, July 28, 2008
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