MISSISSIPPI SCIENTISTS OVERVIEW

Despite the decided lack of an ocean at its Oxford, Mississippi home, the University of Mississippi boasts one of the most extensive marine natural products research programs in the world. Research in the field involves a number of laboratory groups within the Ole Miss School of Pharmacy, which was founded in 1908.

Mark Hamann conducts fieldwork in areas such as Jamaica and Indonesia in search of novel marine natural products. A key focus of his laboratory group is a study of compounds called the manzamines. These compounds were initially pursued for anti-cancer potential but have more recently shown efficacy in fighting malaria.

Jennifer Allman works with Mark Hamann to organize the laboratory's widespread collection efforts, including securing collection permits, and making travel arrangements, as well as shipping, logging in, and storing collected samples.

Rae Matsumoto specializes in the development of medications for neurological and psychiatric disorders. Her research does not have a marine focus, but she has recently had encouraging results screening marine natural products provided by her colleagues for use against neurological and psychiatric diseases.

Dale Nagle is working to develop novel methods for identifying potential anticancer natural products with minimal toxic side effects. Rather than focus on products that kill cancer cells, Nagle's research aims to identify products that will suppress the growth of tumors.

In contrast to the rest of the lab groups profiled, which focus on treatments for human diseases, Jeffrey Diers is studying compounds collected by the Marine Natural Products Program for their potential in controlling the spread of zebra mussels and in more general anti-fouling applications.

Please select from the list of Mississippi MBT scientists to explore their research in more detail.