Other studies involve analyzing cells derived from tumors from patients using these techniques to be sure that the results of model studies carried out with cells in culture are consistent with what is observed in human cancer. Of additional interest is our finding that although the transformed human fibroblasts typically give rise to fibroblastic tumors, eight other distinct types of soft tissue sarcomas also can arise from the transformed fibroblasts. The mechanism by which fibroblasts differentiate into various other types of mesenchymal cells is under study. To determine the risk to humans of exposure to specific carcinogenic agents, such as ionizing radiation, we treat human cells in culture with the agent and then determine its cytotoxic and transforming effects. They are assisted by research assistants and undergraduate students.
Funding comes mainly from federal grants for research.
Students interested in carcinogenesis and these related basic science areas are encouraged to discuss their interests with one of the directors and carry out a rotation in the laboratory to become acquainted with the research being conducted. Please, close the new window to come back to this page. C.-C. Lin, V.M. Maher, and J.J. McCormick . S. Huang, V.M. Maher, and J.J. McCormick . D.S. Reinhold, M. Walicka, M. Elkassaby, L.D. Milam, S.K. Kohler, R.W. Dunstan, and J.J. McCormick .