DF/HCC Program Affiliation

Cancer Immunology
Prostate Cancer

Research Abstract

The major focus of the lab is on the molecular basis of prostate cancer development and progression. The androgen receptor, which is a member of the steroid hormone receptor superfamily, plays a major role in prostate cancer. We have identified mutations in the androgen receptor that contribute to prostate cancer progression and are characterizing androgen receptor interacting proteins. We have also determined that the platelet derived growth factor receptor contributes to prostate cancer and are attempting to define other important growth factor-receptor interactions that may be useful therapeutic targets. Finally, efforts are underway to develop murine transgenic and gene knockout models of PCa. A second interest in the lab is a novel T cell population termed NK T cells and the MHC class I-like CD1d protein they recognize. These cells appear to have an important immunoregulatory function and we are determining the role they play in viral infections and anti-tumor responses.

Publications

• Stanbrough M, Bubley GJ, Ross K, Golub TR, Rubin MA, Penning TM, Febbo PG, Balk SP.Increased expression of genes converting adrenal androgens to testosterone in androgen-independent prostate cancer.Cancer Res 2006 Mar 1;66(5):2815-25.
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• Exley MA, He Q, Cheng O, Wang RJ, Cheney CP, Balk SP, Koziel MJ.Cutting edge: Compartmentalization of Th1-like noninvariant CD1d-reactive T cells in hepatitis C virus-infected liver.J Immunol 2002 Feb 15;168(4):1519-23.
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• Taplin ME, Bubley GJ, Ko YJ, Small EJ, Upton M, Rajeshkumar B, Balk SP.Selection for androgen receptor mutations in prostate cancers treated with androgen antagonist.Cancer Res 1999 Jun 1;59(11):2511-5.
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• Exley M, Porcelli S, Furman M, Garcia J, Balk S.CD161 (NKR-P1A) costimulation of CD1d-dependent activation of human T cells expressing invariant V alpha 24 J alpha Q T cell receptor alpha chains.J Exp Med 1998 Sep 7;188(5):867-76.
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