Elucidation of signaling networks in leukemia and head & neck cancers

Description of projects available to graduate students:
Our laboratory is focused on elucidating molecular mechanisms that are critically important in the processes of apoptosis, autophagy, and differentiation. Currently, we are pursuing three major projects. The first project examines the mechanisms and impacts of small molecule inhibitors of Bcl-2 family members on the growth/survival of head and neck cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. Our second project examines the mechanisms and impact of proteasome inhibitors on the expression/function of Bcl-2 family members and in vitro/in vivo growth of head and neck cancers. This project is aimed at evaluating cutting-edge, next-generation proteasome inhibitors as potential therapeutic agents. Our third project is focused on defining the signaling pathways that are important for differentiation of bone marrow progenitor cells into mature neutrophils and macrophages. These studies have elucidated a central role for MEK/ERK kinases in promoting differentiation and an important role for Src Family Kinases in negatively regulating myeloid differentiation. These studies have led to an ongoing clinical trial in patients with acute myeloid leukemia.

Techniques graduate student will learn:
We employ a variety of cellular and molecular biology techniques, including: cell culture, immunoblotting, immunoprecipitation, immunofluorescence, immunohistochemistry, flow cytometry, subcloning, transfections, etc. Additionally, we employ in vitro and in vivo assays to assess proliferation, apoptosis, autophagy, and tumor growth.