Molecular Carcinogenesis Program
(Janet S. Butel, Ph.D., Leader;
William R. Brinkley, Ph.D., Co-Leader)
This program encompasses basic and translational research efforts that address the molecular basis of cancer-related processes. The program is not targeted to a specific organ system, but a number of funded projects involve lymphoid cells. The program has three major themes.
Viral Oncology
Tumor viruses are important both as infectious causes of human cancer and as tools for analyzing molecular mechanisms of carcinogenesis. Projects involve both DNA and RNA viruses. Topics under study include the role of viruses in human cancer, the functions of viral oncogenes, viral interactions with tumor suppressors, and host responses to viral infections and virus-transformed cells.
Cell Replication Control
Cancer is characterized by a loss of normal cellular growth controls. Genetic changes can affect cellular growth directly or indirectly. Investigations in this area are focused on DNA repair, genome instability, apoptosis, mitosis, and tumor suppressors.
Cell Interactions
This thematic area encompasses studies that focus on cellular environments that contribute to cancer development. Topics include growth factors and cytokines, invasion, metastasis, lymphocyte activation, and immune function.
During the organizational phase of the Cancer Center, we will identify a limited number of research goals to emphasize in this Program as we plan thematic workshops and research seminars, work to foster new collaborations and new research initiatives, and identify appropriate shared core resource needs.