Qibing Zhou
 |
Assistant professor |
http://www.people.vcu.edu/~qzhou/index.html
Education
B.S., Tongji University, Shanghai, P. R. China, 1992
M.S., Indiana State University, Terra Haute, Ind, 1995
Ph.D., University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Ark, 1999
Postdoctoral Scholar, University of Maryland, College Park, Md, 1999-2002
Research interests
We are investigating the chemical interactions between nucleic acids and small organic molecules as DNA drugs. DNA drugs have significant impact on biological processes including gene regulations, transcriptions and translations. The understanding of the chemical interactions will reveal how drugs bind and/or modify DNA, which may lead to the development of effective gene-therapeutic drugs. Currently, our research focuses on DNA modification by natural product analogs.
Two research projects are being developed in the lab. The first project focuses on the effects of natural polyterpene quinone methides derivatives on DNA. For the second project we will develop a latent DNA alkylating agent that can be activated through target recognitions. Both projects will help students develop independent thinking skills as well as gain knowledge and expertise in organic synthesis, biophysical analysis and molecular biology techniques.
Selected publications
Zhou, Q.; Zhang, L.; Zuniga, M.A.; Tombes, R.M.; Stewart, J.K., Mixed inhibition of P450 3A4 as a chemoprotective mechanism against aflatoxin B-1-induced cytotoxicity with cis-terpenones. Chemical Research in Toxicology 2008, 21, 732-738.
Zhou, Q.B.; Xu, T.; Mangrum, J.B., Selective N1-alkylation of 2 '-deoxyguanosine with a quinolinyl quinone methide. Chemical Research in Toxicology 2007, 20, 1069-1074.
Dai, J.F.; Zhou, Q.B., Convenient synthesis of an N-(1-alkoxyl-9-fluorenyl)serine acridine conjugate. Synthetic Communications 2007, 37, 129-135.
Zhou, Q.B.; Xie, H.; Zhang, L.; Stewart, J.K.; Gu, X.X.; Ryan, J.J., cis-terpenones as an effective chemopreventive agent against aflatoxin B1-induced cytotoxicity and TCDD-induced P450 1A/B activity in HepG2 cells. Chemical Research in Toxicology 2006, 19, 1415-1419.
Zuniga, M.A.; Dai, J.F.; Wehunt, M.P.; Zhou, Q.B., DNA oxidative damage by terpene catechols as analogues of natural terpene quinone methide precursors in the presence of Cu(II) and/or NADH. Chemical Research in Toxicology 2006, 19, 828-836.
Zhou, Q.B.; Zuniga, M.A., Quinone methide formations in the Cu2+-induced oxidation of a diterpenone catechol and concurrent damage on DNA. Chemical Research in Toxicology 2005, 18, 382-388.
