Donald S. Kirkpatrick

Papers

Total Citations

114

H-Index

About

Donald S. Kirkpatrick is a leading researcher in chemical biology and proteomics, with a primary focus on the KEAP1/Nrf2 pathway and its role in oxidative stress response and cancer. His most cited work, "Application of Mass Spectrometry Profiling to Establish Brusatol as an Inhibitor of Global Protein Synthesis" (2015, 114 citations), made a pivotal contribution by demonstrating that brusatol, previously thought to be a specific Nrf2 inhibitor, actually works by broadly suppressing protein synthesis. This finding reshaped the understanding of how to target Nrf2-addicted cancers, particularly non-small cell lung cancer, where constitutive Nrf2 activation drives tumor growth and chemoresistance. Kirkpatrick’s expertise in mass spectrometry-based proteomics has been instrumental in revealing the true mechanisms of action for bioactive compounds, correcting earlier assumptions and opening new therapeutic avenues. His work underscores the importance of rigorous biochemical profiling in drug discovery, and he is widely recognized for advancing the field of targeted cancer therapy through precise molecular characterization.