Michael Finnin

Title: Michael Finnin: Innovator in Deacetylase Research

Introduction

Michael Finnin is a notable inventor based in Alexandria, VA (US). He has made significant contributions to the field of biochemistry, particularly in the study of histone deacetylases. His work focuses on understanding the structural biology of these proteins, which play a crucial role in gene regulation.

Latest Patents

Finnin holds a patent for the "Crystal structure of a deacetylase and inhibitors thereof." This invention provides three-dimensional structural information from a hyperthermophilic bacterium, which is a histone deacetylase-like protein (HDLP). The HDLP shares 35.2% amino acid sequence identity with human histone deacetylase (HDAC1). The patent further details the three-dimensional structural information of HDLP bound by inhibitor molecules. This information is instrumental in designing, isolating, and screening deacetylase inhibitor compounds capable of inhibiting HDLP, HDAC family members, and HDLP-related molecules. Additionally, the invention relates to nucleic acids encoding a mutant HDLP that facilitates the determination of the three-dimensional structure of HDLP in the presence of a zinc atom.

Career Highlights

Michael Finnin is affiliated with the Sloan-Kettering Institute for Cancer Research, where he continues to advance his research in cancer biology and therapeutic development. His work has implications for understanding cancer mechanisms and developing targeted therapies.

Collaborations

Finnin has collaborated with notable colleagues, including Nikola P Pavletich and Jill Donigian. These collaborations have enriched his research and contributed to the advancement of knowledge in the field.

Conclusion

Michael Finnin's innovative work in the field of deacetylase research exemplifies the importance of structural biology in developing new therapeutic strategies. His contributions continue to impact cancer research and treatment.