Steffi Oesterreich Laboratory
Our laboratory is part of the Breast Center at Baylor College of Medicine. Steffi Oesterreich, Ph.D has faculty appointments in the Department of Medicine, and Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology. Dr. Oesterreich is on the graduate faculty for the Molecular and Cellular Biology Program; the Interdepartmental programs in Translational Biology and Molecular Medicine; and Cellular and Molecular Biology.
Main research interest
Molecular mechanism and clinical relevance of endocrine response in breast cancer
Description of Research
The Oesterreich lab includes technicians, graduate students and postdoctoral fellows who are trained in a multi-disciplinary research environment to work in basic, translational, and clinical aspects of breast cancer research. Specifically, our research projects focus on the role of co-regulator proteins in estrogen response in breast cancer. Estrogen mediates its potent mitogenic effects through the estrogen receptor (ER), which has been a successful target for endocrine therapy in breast cancer. Despite the success of such treatment, de novo or acquired resistance remains a major problem. A better understanding of how ER works is critical for the development of more efficient therapies, and better prediction for who should receive which form of endocrine therapy.
Over the last years, many dogmas in hormone response have changed, which has opened many exciting novel research areas. Examples are estrogen-mediated repression of gene transcription, and the role of co-repressors in this process, the close connection between estrogen signaling and epigenetic regulation of gene transcription, and the role of regulatory elements which are located far outside the promoter of the estrogen regulated genes, and which might even be on other chromosomes. We are studying these processes (as outlined in the model below) using molecular and cellular techniques, mouse models, and clinical specimens.
(click to enlarge)
Two postdoctoral positions are open immediately in the lab of Dr. Steffi Oesterreich at Baylor College of Medicine, focusing on breast cancer research
- To study the role of nuclear receptor coregulators in breast cancer development and progression.
- To study the role of epigenetic regulation in hormone response, and its importance in breast tumorigenesis.
The successful candidates will also receive training in general breast cancer biology, grant writing, biostatistics, and learn other necessary tools. We offer competitive salaries and a pleasant working atmosphere.
Skills required for this postdoctoral fellowship include understanding of molecular and cellular biology, comprehension of the English language, the ability to work with others in various interactive situations, as well as a high motivation level.
Qualified individuals should send a CV and three reference letters to Steffi Oesterreich, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Baylor Breast Center, N1110, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030.