|
Molecular biology of pancreatic cancer; mechanisms of action of peptide hormones and growth factors; abnormal gain of function through negative pathways; resistance of cancer cells to apoptosis; tumor angiogenesis.
Most of the work in Dr. Korc's laboratory explores aberrant signaling pathways in cancer cells. Studies include signaling by the epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor, fibroblast growth factor (FGF) receptors, transforming growth factor beta (TGF-b) receptors and vascular endothelial cell growth factor (VEGF) receptors. The potential role of co-receptors such as glypican-1 and neuropilins are also being actively investigated. The model system that is most often studied is pancreatic cancer. The overall hypothesis guiding the studies of pancreatic cancer is that superimposed on alterations in oncogene and tumor suppressor gene functions, there is evidence for excessive mitogenic signaling, loss of negative growth constraints, and abnormal gain of function through negative signaling pathways, through suppression of differentiation, through excessive resistance to apoptosis, and through aberrant angiogenesis. Knowledge gained from these studies is being used to devise novel therapeutic strategies for this deadly disease. |