The disintegrins, as a family of structurally related proteins originally derived from viper venom, are characterized by an ability to interact with various cellular integrin receptor molecules. As such, they are providing information about the structure and function of those cellular receptors. The disintegrins are being produced by recombinant DNA techniques, and selected mutations in the functional RGD loop are also being made. Functional studies include the use of platelets, transfected Chinese hamster ovary cells and purified receptors. Student may work for credit or as a volunteer.
Malignant melanoma is an aggressive cancer with a great propensity to spread.
Molecular and genetic changes occur during this process. Identification of the specific genes or gene products which regulate cancer spread and determination of their functions are necessary to fully understand this complex metastatic process. The long term goal of this research is to identify genes involved in controlling the spread of this skin cancer. Although my work focuses on malignant melanoma, other solid tumors, such as breast, prostrate, colon and lung cancers may share common pathways of metastatic spread. Therefore, elucidation of a regulatory step in melanoma may aid in developing improved treatments for these cancers as well.