Growth factor receptors in cancer: targeting signal transduction mechanisms.

Description of projects available to graduate students:
Research in our laboratory is focused on translational studies to elucidate the molecular mechanisms regulating cell growth in normal and cancer cells. Using squamous cell carcinoma model systems, we are investigating the roles of receptor and cytoplasmic tyrosine kinases (primarily the epidermal growth factor receptor and Src oncogene families) in tumor formation and progression. Ongoing projects address the specific phenotype of selected EGFR signaling pathways with an emphasis on STATs, PLCgamma and pAKT. In addition, mechanisms of interaction with other growth factor receptors including G protein-coupled receptors are being explored. Clinical trials are also underway to investigate the biologic efficacy of targeting EGFR in cancer patients.

Techniques graduate student will learn:
Experiments involve analysis of gene expression (at the RNA and protein level) and activation of signal transduction proteins in normal and transformed human cells. Rotation students can expect to gain experience with a variety of systems including cell culture, cloning, transfection, plasmid preps, real-time PCR, agarose gel electrophoresis, immunoprecipitation, western blotting and preclinical animal studies.