Kane Research Group
The Kane research group specializes in the synthesis of bioactive small-molecules, designed for localized delivery, for application in transplantation. Synthetic chemists first, we address transplant immunomodulation by synthesizing active small molecules and their derivatives (prodrugs and bioconjugates). We then evaluate these compounds (and delivery strategies) using chemical, biochemical, and in vitro cell-culture assays, and ultimately, in animal transplantation models. Many of the compounds that we synthesize modulate pathways in innate immunity, and bioconjugation chemistry (reactions with soluble proteins or intact live tissue) and substrate-activated prodrugs are utilized to achieve localized and sustained delivery.
Dr. Kane is a Professor in the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry and serves 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 transplantation, wound healing, and vaccine development.
Bob is also 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): Julianna (undergrad), Chlöe (Waco PhD student), Jessica (Waco PhD student), Elena (undergrad), Lauren (undergrad), Peyton (Waco PhD student)