DF/HCC Program Affiliation

Neuro-Oncology

Lab Website

Ligon Lab Official Website

Research Abstract

The focus of my research is the process of differentiation of glial cells and their progenitors within the developing nervous system. Abnormalities of glial differentiation and proliferation are responsible for the majority of human brain tumors, but the pathways which control glial cell differentiation (astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, and ependymal cells) are poorly understood. The transcription factor Olig2 is essential for oligodendrocyte formation and is highly expressed in gliomas, and we are currently investigating the role of Olig2 in tumorigenesis. Additional efforts are directed toward gene expression profiling of human and mouse models of gliomas towards discovery of transcription factors which regulate astrocyte development and have functional roles in tumorigenesis.

Publications

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