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The Division of Tumor Cell Biology works to develop novel translational cancer research in the areas of tumor biology, bioinformatics and cancer prevention/diagnosis. The division interacts closely with basic science researchers/investigators focusing in other areas, as well surgeons/clinicians at City of Hope. The division’s ongoing research activities augment traditional surgical management of certain types of cancers.
Research Programs
The recognition of aromatase as a key factor in hormone-receptor-positive breast cancer has proven significant in understanding how certain breast cancers develop, and has led to new therapeutic approaches in breast cancer (aromatase inhibitors).
Shiuan Chen, Ph.D., working with Dujin Zhou, M.D., Ph.D., has studied the role of aromatase in breast cancer development for more than 15 years. Currently, their research explores the regulatory mechanism of aromatase expression in breast cancer cells and seeks to understand the structure-function relationship of aromatase protein in order to develop chemoprevention strategies using phytochemicals with anti-aromatase activity.
In collaboration with the Division of Bioinformatics, Chen begins with molecular modeling of the aromatase protein and then uses computer-assisted ligand screening to identify promising drugs. He then uses gene array analysis of breast cancer cells following treatment with anti-estrogens and aromatase inhibitors to assess efficacy. A number of other collaborations with members of other departments and divisions at City of Hope have also been initiated to develop translational research in the areas of cancer prevention and treatment.
For years, physicians diagnosing and treating prostate cancer have had to rely on one main molecular marker: PSA (prostate-specific antigen). PSA levels may be diagnostic of prostate cancer, but other factors such as certain medications may produce a false positive. More significantly, some patients may not show elevated PSA levels even though disease is present. Other indicators of prostate cancer such as alkaline phosphatase are of dubious value because by the time they are out of normal range, disease is significantly advanced.
The research of Yoshiki Iwamoto, Ph.D., focuses on the interaction between prostate cancer cells and adipocytes (fat cells), and examines signaling transduction and gene regulation by adipose cytokines in androgen-independent prostate cancer cell growth. This has significant implications in the relationship between diet, obesity and prostate cancer.
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Laboratory Research
Chen studies how certain natural products such as grape seed and mushroom extracts may inhibit aromatase in breast cancer and 5-alpha-reductase in prostate cancer.
Iwamoto researches how obesity, an environmental factor, interacts with oncogenic signaling, a genetic factor, in the development and progression of androgen-independent prostate cancer, in order to identify therapeutic and preventive targets.
Badie’s research centers on understanding microglia and macrophage function in gliomas and other metastatic brain tumors.
Kane’s laboratory seeks to understand the various cellular responses and resistance mechanisms that arise in cancer cells treated with anticancer agents.
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2008 Aromatase Conference
The Ninth International Aromatase Conference assembled the world’s leading experts in aromatase research. Key topics of discussion included targeting growth-factor-induced signaling pathways and suppressing aromatase expression to treat aromatase inhibitor-resistant patients.
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