Research Synopsis

Cancer Stem Cells

Members of this group are focused on discovering new insights into the molecular and cellular biology of normal and malignant stem cells. Dr. Doug Brash studies the effect of DNA damage including that induced by UV radiation on stem cells in the skin. Specifically, he studies how the damage leads to mutations that accumulate leading to the development of cancer. The work of Dr. Allen Bale focuses on the relationship between neoplasia and development. Genes involved in carcinogenesis often play a critical role in embryonic development and cellular differentiation, and h laboratory focuses on analyzing the normal function of these genes and the mechanisms by which mutations lead to cancer. In addition, Drs. Diane Krause and Arch Perkins study the mechanisms underlying transformation of normal cells that leads to acute myelocytic leukemias.