Pharmacology Seminar Series | A bench to bedside and back again approach targeting the EWS-FLI1 transcription factor for Ewing sarcoma

College of Medicine – Tucson Department of Pharmacology

When

11 a.m. – Noon, March 20, 2024

Where

Arizona Health Sciences Center, Room 8403
1501 N. Campbell Ave., Tucson, AZ 85724

or 

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Event Description

Ewing sarcoma is the second most common malignant bone tumor of childhood. This tumor has a low somatic mutation frequency and an absolute dependence on the EWS-FLI1 transcription factor for cell survival. Unfortunately, EWS-FLI1 is a transcription factor and a challenging drug target. Our group has spent the last 15 years focused on the therapeutic targeting of EWS-FLI1. We employ a bench to bedside and back again approach that leverages molecular pharmacology and genomics to develop and clinically translate targeted therapies focused on EWS-FLI1. In this lecture, I will discuss the clinical development and mechanism of action of the DNA binding natural products trabectedin, mithramycin and analogs as EWS-FLI1 targeted agents.

Presenter Details

Patrick J. Grohar, MD, PhD
Director, Translational Research, Center for Childhood Cancer Research, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania
Senior Research Scientist, Division of Oncology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Research Institute, University of Pennsylvania
Associate Professor, Pediatrics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine