Cancer and Developmental Biology Track
Suzanne J. Baker, Ph.D. (St. Jude Children's Research Hospital)
Lawrence M. Pfeffer, Ph.D. (UT Health Science Center)
Developmental and cancer biology are two complementary disciplines that
can be viewed as the yin and yang of cell survival. Whereas developmental
biology is concerned with the acquisition and maintenance of normal cellular
function, cancer biology focuses on the disruption and deletion of normal
cellular function. Research within the Cancer and Developmental Biology
track reflects the complete continuum of cell development, from the regulation
of normal cell division to the abnormal development of cancer. The track
has a diverse group of research faculty with appointments in 11 different
departments both at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center
and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Interactions and collaborations
among the faculty bring together research expertise that focuses on the
cell cycle, cell proliferation, cell differentiation, cell migration,
angiogenesis, tumorigenesis, metastasis, and apoptosis. Techniques drawn
from a wide range of fields, including molecular genetics, cell biology,
biochemistry, structural biology, and therapeutics, are applied in this
truly interdisciplinary program.
The Cancer and Developmental Biology track is appropriate for students
seeking training in cutting-edge research in the following areas:
- Genetics and regulation of mammalian cell development and differentiation
- Regulation of the cell cycle and cell proliferation
- Role of cytokines and tumor suppressors in the regulation of gene
expression and tumorigenesis
- Structural biology of tumor suppressors and oncogenes
- Mechanisms of cell migration, invasion and metastasis
- Development of drug resistance and cancer therapeutics
* Faculty and Their Research Interests
* Electives
* Students
Revised 24 April 2008
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