Eddie Perkins

Eddie Perkins

Assistant Professor, Departments of Neurosurgery and Anatomy
Molecular Cancer Therapeutics
B.S., Biology, 1979, University of Mississippi
Ph.D., Anatomy, 2006, University of Mississippi Medical Center

Contact Information
Department of Neurosurgery
2500 N State Street, Room R732
Jackson, MS 39216
Pager: 601-929-1343
Email: eperkins@umc.edu

Research Interests

  • Use of thermally targeted therapeutic polypeptide for the treatment of brain cancer
  • Inhibition of Calcium Release-Activated Calcium (CRAC) Channels in the treatment of brain cancer
  • Characterization of glioblastoma multiforme with bio-markers and clinical correlations

Research Synopsis
The goal of the research is to develop and evaluate novel therapeutics for the treatment of malignant brain tumors. Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most aggressive form of primary brain tumor. Current treatment strategy for patients with GBM includes surgery to remove as much of the tumor as possible combined with chemotherapy and radiation therapy. However, even with aggressive treatment, survival is poor. Therefore, alternative treatment strategies that can kill or slow tumor cells growth is necessary. Our laboratory is investigating new therapies for treating brain tumors. One, is using therapeutic polypeptides which consist of three components, an inhibitor (H1), a thermal responsive unit (ELP) and a cell penetrating peptide (CPP) unit. This therapeutic construct is delivered directly to the cytoplasm or nuclei of cells in the tumor mass. Another therapy is the use of CRAC channels inhibitors to treat brain tumors. CRAC channels have a role in tumor cell proliferation and metastasis. Finally, Studies have shown that tumor formation, growth, aggression and invasion are associated with a number of cellular products and abnormal cellular changes. These include, in part, the production of growth factors, cytokines, matrix metalloproteases and chromosomal abnormalities. However, few of the studies that have evaluated the presence of multiple molecular markers have correlated the findings with the clinical outcomes of patients. Our studies directly addresses the relationship of multiple tumor markers to patient's clinical outcomes.

Recent Accomplishments and Honors
2005 Society for Neuroscience Chapters Graduate Student Travel Award
2009-2010 Faculty for Neuroanatomy Course: This Course was chosen for The Carl G. Evers, M.D.,
Society Award as Basic Science Course of the Year for 2009-2010 by the M2 student body
of the University of Mississippi School of Medicine

Selected Publications

  1. Perkins E et al. Inhibition of H-ras as a Treatment for Experimental Brain C6 Glioma. Molecular Brain Research 111:42-51, 2003
  2. Sundaram N et al. Selenium Causes Growth Inhibition and Apoptosis in Human Brain Tumor Cell Lines. Journal of Neuro-oncology 46(2):125-133, 2000
  3. Raila FA et al. Sequential Imaging and Volumetric Analysis of an Implanted C6 Rat Brain Glioma by Means of a Clinical MRI System, Wrist Coil, and Dedicated 3D Computer. Journal of Neuro-oncology 43(1):11-17, 1999
  4. Bowles AP et al. Long Term Remission of malignant Brain Tumors Following Intracranial Infection: A Report of Four Cases. Neurosurgery 44:636-643, 1999
  5. Kandaswami C et al. Ascorbic Acid Enhanced Antiproliferative Effects of Flavonoid on Squamous Cell Carcinoma in Vitro. Anticancer Drugs 4:91-96, 1993