Kane Research Group
The Kane research group specializes in the synthesis of bioactive small-molecules, coupled with specialized delivery strategies, for use in transplantation. Synthetic chemists first, we study immunomodulation by synthesizing active small molecules and derivatives (prodrugs and bioconjugates). We then evaluate these compounds (and strategies for their delivery) in biochemical, cell-culture, and animal models. Many of the compounds that we synthesize modulate pathways in innate immunity. We use bioconjugation chemistry (reactions with soluble proteins or intact live tissue) and substrate-activated prodrugs in order to achieve localized delivery of the compounds we synthesize.
Dr. Kane serves as an associate professor in the department of Chemistry & Biochemistry and as Director of the Institute of Biomedical Studies. Bob earned his B.S. degree at Texas Lutheran College and his Ph.D. at Texas Tech, and joined the Baylor faculty in 1996 after completing a postdoc at UCLA. Dr. Kane’s research is focused on specialized applications of synthetic chemistry in areas such as vaccine development, transplantation, and wound healing.
Bob is a Baylor 'Faculty in Residence', and he and his wife Deb live with Baylor students in the University Parks Apartments. Click here to read more about this.
Our Research Group
July 2021
TOP (Left to right): Dr. Michael Lawrence (collaborator), Jordan (Dallas BMS PhD student), Johann (Waco BMS PhD student), Ryan (undergrad), Jack (undergrad), Bob
BOTTOM (Left to right): Julaina (undergrad), Chlöe (Waco PhD student), Jessica (Waco PhD student), Elena (undergrad), Lauren (undergrad), Peyton (Waco PhD student)