He will investigate the molecular mechanisms that allow hyperthermia to kill cancer cells. Hyperthermia, the application of concentrated therapeutic heat, can shrink tumors. It also enhances the effect of radiation therapy. Roti Roti's group studies the role of the nucleus in a cell's response to heat and to heat combined with irradiation.
Cells are most vulnerable to heat when they duplicate their DNA before they divide.
In fact, cells in this phase of their cycle appear to be the only ones killed by a moderate rise in temperature. The researchers also want to understand why heat makes cells more radiosensitive. This interferes with a cell's mechanism for repairing DNA damaged by radiation, making radiation therapy more effective. The School of Medicine is one of the leading medical research, teaching and patient care institutions in the nation. Through its affiliations with Barnes-Jewish and St. Louis Children's hospitals, the School of Medicine is linked to BJC Health System.