Scholars@Duke
Bruce Alan Sullenger

Bruce Alan Sullenger

Joseph W. and Dorothy W. Beard Distinguished Professor of Experimental Surgery
Surgery, Surgical Sciences
bruce.sullenger@duke.edu
Box 103035, Durham, NC 27710
DUMC 103035, Durham, NC 27710

Overview

The main focus of my translational research laboratory is to develop RNA based therapeutic agents for the potential treatment of a range of diseases. To this end, we have and will continue to take advantage of the fact that RNA is not just a passive carrier of genetic instructions inside of cells during the conversion of information from DNA to RNA to protein. Rather, RNA is an extremely versatile biological macromolecule. Certian RNAs can bind to specific protiens with high affinities, while others can for catalytic centers and perform enzymatic reactions. These facets of RNA coupled with the ease with which RNA can be manipulated in vitro make it a very powerful and unique therapeutic agent whose potential is largely untapped. Durring our endeavors, we plan to work closely with the members of the Molecular Therapeutics program as well as other faculty at the Duke University Medical Center to expedite the development and testing of these therapeutics.

The specific aims of my laboratory are:

1. To isolate and characterize RNA and DNA aptamers which block therapeutically relavent proteins such as those involved in cardiovascular diseases and immune modulation.

2. To develop RNA-based tumor targeting strategies for delivering siRNAs and miRNAs to tumor cells.

3. To reprogram cells using mRNA delivery.

4. To explore novel methods to control inflammation.

Current Appointments & Affiliations

Joseph W. and Dorothy W. Beard Distinguished Professor of Experimental Surgery · 2003 - Present Surgery, Surgical Sciences, Surgery
Professor in Surgery · 2001 - Present Surgery, Surgical Sciences, Surgery
Director of the Duke Center for Translational Research · 2004 - Present Surgery, Clinical Science Departments
Professor of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology · 2012 - Present Pharmacology & Cancer Biology, Basic Science Departments
Professor of Neurosurgery · 2019 - Present Neurosurgery, Neurosurgery
Professor of Cell Biology · 2022 - Present Cell Biology, Basic Science Departments
Member of the Duke Cancer Institute · 1994 - Present Duke Cancer Institute, Institutes and Centers

Education, Training & Certifications

Cornell University · 1990 Ph.D.