Robert J Tancer

Title: The Innovative Contributions of Robert J Tancer

Introduction

Robert J Tancer is a notable inventor based in Montville, NJ (US). He has made significant contributions to the field of antifungal research through his innovative work on peptides. His research focuses on developing compounds that can enhance the efficacy of existing antifungal treatments.

Latest Patents

Robert J Tancer holds a patent for "Antifungal peptides, compounds including the same, and methods of use thereof." This patent describes an antifungal peptide that targets P4-ATPase function, synthesized based on the Cdc50 loop region. The research identified peptides that sensitize caspofungin by blocking flippase function. Notably, myristylated peptides based on the 'AS15 sequence' were found to be effective at high concentrations. A modified peptide, “AW9-Ma,” demonstrated a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 64 μg/mL against H99 wild type and a fractional inhibitory concentration (FIC) index value of 0.5 when used in conjunction with caspofungin. The AW9-Ma peptide showed that the wild type was highly sensitive to caspofungin with a MIC of 4 μg/mL, similar to the cdc50Δ mutant. Further assays using flow cytometry confirmed the inhibition of lipid flippase enzyme activity and significant accumulation of phosphatidylserine on the cell surface. The peptide was also confirmed to co-localize with mCherry-tagged P4-ATPase protein Apt1. Modification studies indicated that two lysine residues on the peptide are likely responsible for its interaction with P4-ATPase, which is critical for antifungal activity.

Career Highlights

Throughout his career, Robert J Tancer has worked at prestigious institutions, including Seton Hall University and Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey. His research has contributed to advancements in antifungal therapies, showcasing his commitment to improving healthcare outcomes.

Collaborations

Robert has collaborated with notable colleagues such as Gregory R Wiedman and Chaoyang Xue, further enhancing the impact of his research through teamwork and shared expertise.

Conclusion

Robert J Tancer's innovative work in the field of antifungal peptides highlights his significant contributions to medical research. His patented inventions and collaborations reflect his dedication to advancing science and improving treatment options for fungal infections