Expression of the symporter is being examined in various pathophysiological thyroid states, including autoimmune disease and cancer. E and D. Studies include cDNA cloning of novel enzymes, distribution and regulation of mRNA and protein, and structure-function analysis of the proteins. Novel neuroendocrine peptides are also being identified and characterized. Studies are focused on the mechanisms by which folate compounds are transported in mammalian cells. Another major area of interest is the cloning and characterization of another folate transport pathway that operates at low pH. Finally, gene targeting approaches are directed toward developing an understanding of the role of the various folate transporters in mouse development and on tumorigenesis.
Research is focused on establishing the mechanisms of action and resistance of antitumor drugs.
Studies on Taxol, a novel antimitotic drug that stabilizes microtubules and is used in the treatment of ovarian and breast carcinomas, are being pursued. Biosynthesis of a membrane glycoprotein unique to resistant cells is being followed with biochemical, molecular biological, and immunological techniques. D., Cornell, 1992. Investigations concern the role of caveolae and caveolin in normal signal transduction and in the pathogenesis of cancerous cell transformation. Caveolin is the structural protein used by the cell to construct caveolae and compartmentalize signaling molecules.