Transcription Factors Disrupted In Human Cancer-Their Mechanism Of Action And Targets
The broad goal of my research program is to understand how mutations of
transcriptional regulators may set up patterns of aberrant gene
expression that yield cancer. This requires a detailed understanding of
the normal function of these transcription factors. Such information
includes an understanding of the role of these factors in cell growth,
differentiation and developmental, the normal DNA binding and
transcriptional activity of these proteins, identification of the
critical protein partners of the factors and elucidation of the
downstream targets of these genes. The mutations that occur in cancer
are tragic experiments of nature that may alter critical amino acid
residues for the function of the proteins. By modeling the function of
both the normal and mutated forms of these factors we hope to better
understand the molecular basis of cancer and potentially identify new
therapeutic targets and pathways in this disease.
Reciprocal signaling between the ureteric bud (UB -Green) and
metanephric mesenchyme (Red) guides kidney development. Factors from
the UB, including LIF and FGFs induce condensation of the mesenchyme
and may induce the expression of factors like WT1 and Pax2 critical for
epithelial differentiation. WT1 may induce the expression of growth
factors like amphiregulin, Wnt4 and GDNF which stimulate the UB and
mesenchyme. At the same time WT may induce the expression of sprouty a
counter-regulatory factor THAT limits the effects of growth factor
signaling on the condensing mesenchme.