The expression of a variety of genes, such as cytokines, oncogenes, etc., is either increased or decreased with aging. However, the mechanisms underlying these changes are not well defined. To explore these mechanisms we are using a combination of in vitro molecular and cellular techniques and in vivo animal models and human clinical trials in a variety of systems including prostate, brain and bone. Another aspect of our research is exploring the biology of prostate cancer metastasis.
Prostate cancer has a great predilection for metastasizing to bone.
Furthermore, unlike most bone metastases, prostate cancer forms osteoblastic lesions as opposed to osteolytic lesions. Thus we are examining why prostate cancer targets bone and how it promotes osteoblastic lesions. A Growing Family. Ershler, W.B., Harman, S.M. and Keller, E.T. Immunologic Aspects of Osteoporosis. Sun, W.H., Keller, E.T., Stebler, B.S. and Ershler, W.B. Estrogen Inhibits Phorbol Ester-Induced IkBa Transcription and Protein Degradation.