Tom Hagan 
Associate Professor of Chemistry & Biochemistry

Research interests: 

Synthesis and Characterization of Bio-conjugates for Use in Photodynamic Therapy.  Principal cell-cell contact is mediated by glycoproteins.  When this contact goes awry, cells have the opportunity to proliferate unchecked (leading to cancer). Cancer cells effect this proliferation by changing the identity of  the carbohydrates attached to some of these proteins. We are exploring the synthesis of different carbohydrate-appended biomolecules (bio-conjugates) to establish which carbohydrate arrangements are most easily recognized by cancerous cells.  Our aim is to attach photoactive molecules to these carbohydrates so when the cancer cell interacts with the bioconjugate in the presence of light, the photoactive molecule initiates a cascade of events leading to the destruction of the diseased cell. 

Delivery and Entry of Chemotherapeutics into Cancer Cells.  While the above project deals with the actual synthesis of the potential chemotherapeutics, it does not address how the bioconjugate interacts or enters the cell.  This project investigates the many parameters that must be evaluated to determine the events at the cellular and biochemical levels that are responsible for granting access of the chemotherapeutic into the cell. 

Activation of Carbon Dioxide by Low-Valent Cobalto-Porphyrin Complexes.  Carbon dioxide is everywhere; in fact it has even been accused of contributing to the demise of our planet (i.e., the greenhouse effect). An interesting paradox is the fact that many  industrial processes exist to improve the quality of life, yet not only do they contribute to atmospheric concentrations of CO₂, they also deplete precious fossil fuel stores in order to function  (e.g., automobiles).  We are investigating the use of different metallocomplexes  to coordinate CO₂. Plants have an enzyme, ribulose-1,5- bisphosphate carboxylase,  that not only coordinates CO₂ but also uses this CO₂ to synthesize carbohydrates needed for the plant to survive.  In essence we are trying to simulate what nature has been doing for billions of years. 

Biochemistry for the Masses.  No, this isn't a religious project though it has evolved into an obsession of mine.  I am in the process of writing an introductory biochemistry textbook for the non-science major.  I feel biochemistry is such a fascinating area that everyone should have the opportunity to learn this discipline. 

Examples of  Recent  Presentations: 

Hagan, T.E., "The Chemistry and Politics of Cancer and AIDS: unlocking the possibilities through interdisciplinary courses," National Collegiate Honors Conference, Chicago, IL, October 2003. 

Hagan, T.E., "The Chemistry and Politics of AIDS and Cancer- creating courses for the non-science major," 17th Biennial Conference on Chemical Education, Division of Chemical Education of the ACS, Western Washington State University, Belingham, WA, 2002.

Hagan, T.E., "Biochemistry for Mortals- development of an introductory biochemistry textbook for non-science majors," Joint Regional meeting of the Southeast and Southwest sections of the American Chemical Society, New Orleans, LA, 2000. 

Hagan, T.E., Gasswint, H.E, and Dzurek, L.M., "Development of New Photo-Sensitive Compounds for Use in Photodynamic Therapy," 26th National Medicinal Chemistry Symposium, Richmond, VA, June 1998. 

Hagan, T.E., Hastie, M.N., Coopey, C.M., Lesinski, J.D., and Schmalenberger, K.P., "Metalloporphyrins As Catalysts for the Fixation of Carbon Dioxide," 216th National Meeting of the American Chemical Society, Boston, MA, August 1998. 

 

Examples of Student Theses Supervised (I have supervised over 20 students in completing their independent research projects):

Wilkins, Brian J., "A Look at the Viability of Tetraphenylporphyrin as a Possible Photosensitizer In the Use For Photodynamic Cancer Research, " 2003.

Boyer, Joshua A., "Pharmaceutical Development in Hopes of Advancing Photodynamic Therapy," 2002.

Donahue, Matthew P., "Synthesis of Various Porphyrin Samples for Investigations of Carbon Dioxide Fixation," 2000.

Coopey, Carolyn., "Utilzationof Cobalt in Phenyl-Substituted Tetraphenylporphyrins for the Fixation of Carbon Dioxide," 1998.

Dzurek, Linda M., "The Development of a Pathway for the Synthesis of Glycosylated Porphyrins for Use in Photodynamic Therapy," 1998.

Tyree, Angela M., "The Preparation and Purification of Diphenylsilylmercaptoisotrithione," 1996.

McManus, Robert, J., "Reactivity Studies of Dimercaptoisotrithione Ligand Applied to the Design and Synthesis of Heterometallic Sulfur Complexes," 1995.

Schmalenberger, Kevin, P., "Design and Synthesis of Metallated Porphyrins as Enzyme Active Site Models of Ribulose-1,5-Bisphosphate Carboxylase", 1995.

Affiliations: 

American Chemical Society (Biological Chemistry, Chemical Education, Inorganic and Medicinal Chemistry divisions) 
Council on Undergraduate Research
Mid-Atlantic Association of Liberal Arts Chemistry Teachers (MAALACT)