Robert A. Holton (born 1944) is an American academic chemist who is known for his work regarding the chemical synthesis for Taxol (known as the
Holton Taxol total synthesis), a widely utilized and highly effective anti-cancer drug. He is a Professor of Chemistry at
Florida State University
Florida State University (FSU) is a public research university in Tallahassee, Florida. It is a senior member of the State University System of Florida. Founded in 1851, it is located on the oldest continuous site of higher education in the st ...
.
Dr. Holton’s research group has accomplished the total synthesis of several natural products. Most notable are
prostaglandin F2α, narwedine,
aphidicolin
Aphidicolin is a tetracyclic diterpene antibiotic isolated from the fungus '' Cephalosporum aphidicola'' with antiviral and antimitotic properties. Aphidicolin is a reversible inhibitor of eukaryotic nuclear DNA replication. It blocks the cell ...
,
taxusin,
Taxol
Paclitaxel (PTX), sold under the brand name Taxol among others, is a chemotherapy medication used to treat a number of types of cancer. This includes ovarian cancer, esophageal cancer, breast cancer, lung cancer, Kaposi's sarcoma, cervical cance ...
and hemibrevetoxin B.
Dr. Holton also serves as Chief Scientific Officer, a member of the Board of Directors and co-founder of Taxolog, Inc., as well as President and founder of MDS Research Foundation and Syncure, Inc.
Education
* Bachelors from the
University of North Carolina
The University of North Carolina is the multi-campus public university system for the state of North Carolina. Overseeing the state's 16 public universities and the NC School of Science and Mathematics, it is commonly referred to as the UNC Sy ...
* Doctorate from
Florida State University
Florida State University (FSU) is a public research university in Tallahassee, Florida. It is a senior member of the State University System of Florida. Founded in 1851, it is located on the oldest continuous site of higher education in the st ...
See also
*
Paclitaxel total synthesis
Paclitaxel total synthesis in organic chemistry is a major ongoing research effort in the total synthesis of paclitaxel (Taxol). This diterpenoid is an important drug in the treatment of cancer but, also expensive because the compound is harveste ...
References
External links
Florida State University faculty profile
Florida State University faculty
Florida State University alumni
Living people
1944 births
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