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Scripps Research Joint Appointments

Translational Research Institute

Research Focus

The Cameron Laboratory works on a variety of independent and collaborative projects centered on the metabolic fate of new chemical compounds. We explore the role of drug metabolism in chemical induced toxicity and drug-drug interactions. Current projects include evaluation of reactive metabolites and their role in drug induced toxicity, time and mechanism based inhibition of cytochrome P450, and the development of chemical tools to differentiate CYP3A4 and CYP3A5 activity in biological samples. The lab is also involved in several translational projects focused on the development of clinical candidates or molecular probes for the study of biological pathways. The lab offers Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics (DMPK) expertise, collaborating with medicinal chemistry, biology and pharmacology groups. The lab evaluates such factors as chemical and metabolic stability, solubility, oral absorption, rat and mouse pharmacokinetics, tissue distribution, protein binding, P450 inhibition, reactive intermediate formation, and metabolite identification to help refine molecules. Current projects include optimization of neuropeptide Y Y2 receptor antagonists, orexin-1 receptor antagonists, (GABA) B receptor positive allosteric modulators, neurotensin 1 receptor agonists, a5* nicotinic acetylcholine receptors positive allosteric modulators, kappa opioid receptor antagonists, and functionally biased mu opioid receptor agonists.  

Professional Experience

Medicinal Chemistry, Post-Doctoral research at the University of Washington
research area: drug metabolism and P450 allosterism

Biochemistry, Ph.D., Utah State University
research area: biotransformations, free radicals, protein structure/function relationships

Chemistry, Bachelor of Science, Gonzaga University

Selected References

Li X, Kamenecka TM, Cameron MD. “Bioactivation of the EGFR Inhibitor Gefitinib: Implications in pulmonary and hepatic toxicities” Chemical Research in Toxicology, 2009 Oct;22(10):1736-42.

Duckett DR, Cameron MD. “Metabolism considerations for kinase inhibitors in cancer treatment.” Expert Opinion on Drug Metabolism and Toxicology, 2010 Oct;6(10):1175-93.

Li X, Kamenecka TM, Cameron MD. “P450-Mediated Bioactivation of the EGFR Inhibitor Erlotinib to a Reactive Electrophile” Drug Metabolism and Disposition, 2010, Jul;38(7):1238-45.

Song X, Li X, Ruiz CH, Yin Y, Feng Y, Kamenecka TM, Cameron MD. “Imidazopyridines as selective CYP3A4 inhibitors.” Bioorg Med Chem Lett. 2012 Feb 15;22(4):1611-4.

Li X, Cameron MD. Potential role of a quetiapine metabolite in quetiapine-induced neutropenia and agranulocytosis. Chem Res Toxicol. 2012 May 21;25(5):1004-11.