PET Talks

PET Talks on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, at 12:00pm at 100 Church Street South-E150 Conference Room or via Zoom (link below) with Sheryl Roberts, Ph.D., Tenure-track Assistant Professor, Department of Oncology, Molecular Therapeutics, School of Medicine, Wayne State University, Department of Oncology, Karmanos Cancer Institute. Please see attached for Sheryl Roberts’ Flyer.

Seminar Title: “Radioligand-directed protein degraders for molecular imaging and therapy”

Abstract:Targeted protein degraders (TPDs) offer a powerful strategy for eliminating disease-associated proteins. My lab is developing a research program focused on radioligand-directed degraders, which combines the precision of radiolabeled ligands with targeted degradation for both imaging and therapy. Our radioligand approach is particularly promising in oncology, where dysregulated oncoproteins drive tumor growth and resistance, including to degraders themselves. We focus on intracellular receptors that regulate gene expression, such as the androgen receptor (AR) in castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) and the estrogen receptor (ER) in ESR1-mutant breast cancer. Beyond promoting tumor growth, these receptors also contribute to therapeutic resistance, making them critical targets for intervention. By combining targeted degradation with radiotherapeutic payload delivery, radioligand TPDs and its optical versions may have potential to expand the theranostic field. Additionally, we see imaging as a tool to explore higher-order TPD complexes in their native cellular environment, expand the druggable space, and drive next-generation theranostics.

Date: Wednesday, April 30th, 2025

Time: 12:00pm-1:00pm ET

Location: 100 Church Street South

E Suite-E150