Esteban Cantu

Master of Science in Chemistry, Minor in Statistics

• (May 2012 - in progress )
• Texas A&M University-Kingsville - Kingsville, Texas
• Thesis Title: Establishment of a primary culture of secretory cells from the snake venom gland of Crotalus atrox (Western Diamondback Rattlesnake) for the production of biomedically important molecules in vitro.

Bachelor of Science in Biology, Minor in Chemistry

• May 2010
• Texas A&M University-Kingsville - Kingsville, Texas

Researcher
National Natural Toxins Research Center
Texas A & M University - Kingsville
2008-Present

• Conducted biomedical research regarding the isolation of molecules from snake venoms for the development of potential therapies for debilitating diseases such as cardiovascular/cerebrovascular disorders, and cancer. Other responsibilities included the mentorship and training of students, design of experiments, and lab management.


• Well versed in a variety of biochemical techniques such as: SDS-PAGE (reduced, non-reduced, and native), High Performance Liquid Chromatography (Ion Exchange, Size Exclusion, HIC, Reverse-Phase, Affinity), ELISA (Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay), western blot, isoelectric focusing, and electrophoretic titration.


• Experienced in a wide variety of cell culture techniques and assays including: Primary cell culture, cellular adhesion, cell migration (wound healing), invasion (metastatic), and cytotoxicity studies.


• Knowledge of hemostasis and biological assays: Blood coagulation, platelet aggregation (whole blood and platelet-enriched plasma), LD50, fibrinolitic/fibrinogenolytic, hemolytic, zymographic, proteolytic, and amidolytic.


• Animal handling experience includes mice and rabbits.

Student Mentor
National Natural Toxins Research Center
Texas A & M University - Kingsville
2006-Present

• Taught fundamentals of biomedical research, basic laboratory principles and techniques, and biochemistry related to snake venom research. In addition to the professional and personal development students were also demonstrated how to arrange and interpret data, scientific writing, and how to design presentations
  (poster and oral).

Biochemistry Tutor
Texas A & M University - Kingsville
2010-Present

1. SACNAS - Society for the Advancement of Chicano and Native American Scientists - Dallas, Texas, 2009


2. 10th Annual Texas A&M System Pathways Symposium, Laredo, Texas, 2009


3. Compact for Diversity Conference for Ph.D. and Post-Doctoral Students, Washington, D.C., 2009


4. 1st Annual Javelina Research Symposium, Kingsville, Texas, 2010


5. Ronald E. McNair National Conference, Denton, Texas, 2010


6. 11th Annual Texas A&M System Pathways Symposium, Canyon, Texas, 2010


7. 12th Annual Texas A&M System Pathways Symposium, College Station, Texas, 2011

1. Cloning, expression, and hemostatic activities of a disintegrin, r-mojastin 1, from the mohave rattlesnake (Crotalus scutulatus scutulatus). Sánchez EE, Lucena SE, Reyes S, Soto JG, Cantu E, Lopez-Johnston JC, Guerrero B, Salazar AM, Rodríguez-Acosta A, Galán JA, Tao WA, Pérez JC., Thrombosis Research, 2010


2. cDNA cloning, expression and fibrin(ogen)olytic activity of two low-molecular weight snake venom metalloproteinases., Jia Y, Lucena S, Cantu E Jr, Sánchez EE, Pérez JC., Toxicon, 2009


3. Venom variation in hemostasis of the southern Pacific rattlesnake (Crotalus oreganus helleri): isolation of hellerase., Salazar AM, Guerrero B, Cantu B, Cantu E, Rodríguez-Acosta A, Pérez JC, Galán JA, Tao A, Sánchez EE., Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology Part C: Toxicology & Pharmacology, Volume 149, Issue 3, Pages 307-316.


4. Quantitative analysis of snake venoms using soluble polymer-based isotope labeling., Galan JA, Guo M, Sanchez EE, Cantu E, Rodriguez-Acosta A, Perez JC, Tao WA., Molecular and Cellular Proteomics,