One of the main areas of research
in our laboratory is to reveal and
elucidate the molecular mechanisms
of TGF-ß signal transduction
in the context of animal model systems
of human diseases. We intend to determine
the role of Smad proteins, two of which
are tumor suppressors mutated in human
cancers, in regulating cell proliferation
and differentiation. Using Smad3 deficient
mouse as a model system, as well as
cultured cells, we are currently investigating
the involvement of TGF-ß signaling
and Smad3 function in the development
of three types of human diseases: carcinogenesis
in colon and breast; bone remodeling;
and inflammatory immune disfunction.
The second area of research aims
to determine the signaling mechanism
of checkpoint control of cell cycle
in response to DNA replication block
and DNA damage. The main focus is to
study the functions of Rad17, ATM,
ATR, and PP5 as key components of the
checkpoint pathway.
The third area of research aims to
determine the mechanism of tumor angiogenesis
and metastasis. We have investigated
tumor progression promoted by the activity
of a novel protein secreted by many
types of human tumors using both cultured
cells and animal model systems.
