Expert for Media Profile
Basic Science
Vern L. Schramm, Ph.D.
- Professor, Department of Biochemistry
- Ruth Merns Chair in Biochemistry
Areas of Expertise
Expert Summary
Dr. Schramm is a member of the National Academy of Sciences and associate editor of the Journal of the American Chemical Society. His pioneering work in biochemistry has resulted in powerful new strategies for treating cancer, antibiotic resistance and autoimmune diseases.
Dr. Schramm has created molecules that block key enzymes from functioning. These powerful inhibitors have shown promise in muzzling cancers and bacteria that depend on those key enzymes to grow and spread. Two of those inhibitors have entered clinical trials: one for treating leukemia that does not respond to other therapies and another for possible treatment for autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis, and for preventing tissue transplant rejection in organ transplantation.
Dr. Schramm’s other recent work includes developing a simple and highly sensitive test to detect ricin, the potent toxin with potential use as a bioterrorism agent. He is also using his enzyme-inhibiting strategy to create novel antibiotics that do not provoke bacterial resistance.