Professor Clarke’s focus is on how unusual transition metal ions interact with biological systems. In his research, he has designed and discovered new bioactive metal-containing agents for anticancer and other types of therapy; developed the activation by reduction hypothesis for metal anticancer agents; and participated in developing the concept that ruthenium anticancer compounds preferentially enter cancer cells through binding to transferrin. He was among the first to explore how ruthenium complexes bind to DNA and developed some of the early fundamental chemistry of technetium relevant to its use in radioimaging agents. He continues to explore how metal ions affect DNA, RNA, coenzymes, and important sulfur-containing polypeptides such as glutathione. Professor Clarke is currently interested in how nitrosyl ruthenium compounds can affect the strengthening of neuronal synapses through the release of nitric oxide at the neuronal site.

Professor Clarke also served as the Program Director for Inorganic, Bioinorganic and Organometallic Chemistry at the National Science Foundation in Arlington, VA.

Representative Key Publications:

Clarke, M. J., "Ruthenium Metallopharmaceuticals", Coordination Chemistry Reviews, 2003, 236, 207-231.

Haney, W.; Clarke, M.J., “Cheating on Tests: Prevalence, Detection, and Implications for Online Testing”, book chapter in Psychological Perspectives on Academic Cheating, Anderman, E.A. and Murdock, T., eds, 2007, Elsevier, San Diego..

Lopes, L. G. F., Castellano, E. E., Ferreira, A. G., Davanzo, C. U., Clarke, M. J., & Franco, D. W., “Reactivity of trans-[Ru(NH₃)₄P(OEt)₃NO]X₃ (X = PF₆-, CF₃COO-): modulation of the release of NO by the trans-effect”, 2005, Inorganica Chimica Acta, 358(10), 2883-2890.