DF/HCC Program Affiliation

Cancer Cell Biology
Neuro-Oncology

Research Abstract

The research work in our laboratory has focused on growth factor signaling pathways that regulate survival, proliferation and migration in the developing vervous system. These pathways are normally exquisitely regulated; disruption of these pathways can result in brain tumors or neurodegenerative disorders.

Survival. During development, target derived neurotrophins promote the survival of presynapic cells, allowing neurons that are connected within a neural circuit to survive. Our studies investigate this long distance signaling and weather disruptions of these signals may cause ALS or other degenerative disorders.

Proliferation and migration. We have found that factors that contribute to the proliferation and migration of neural precursors in the developing brain also are responsible for the abnormal proliferation and migration of brain tumor cells. Our studies investigate how these processes are regulated in normal development, and how this regulation is lost in cancers.

Publications

• Redjal N, Chan JA, Segal RA, Kung AL.CXCR4 inhibition synergizes with cytotoxic chemotherapy in gliomas.Clin Cancer Res 2006 Nov 15;12(22):6765-71.
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• Watson FL, Porcionatto MA, Bhattacharyya A, Stiles CD, Segal RA.TrkA glycosylation regulates receptor localization and activity.J Neurobiol 1999 May;39(2):323-36.
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• Schwartz PM, Borghesani PR, Levy RL, Pomeroy SL, Segal RA.Abnormal cerebellar development and foliation in BDNF-/- mice reveals a role for neurotrophins in CNS patterning.Neuron 1997 Aug;19(2):269-81.
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