Christopher Counter, Pharmacology and Cancer Biology

The Counter lab studies the molecular mechanisms underlying the evolution of normal cells into cancers. The lab is divided into three major areas studying key features of human cancers. Immortalization: We have shown that the ability of cancer cells to keep dividing or become immortal is a fundamental aspect of tumorigenesis, and is due to activation of the enzyme telomerase. Consequently, telomerase has now emerged as an attractive therapeutic target for the treatment of a wide spectrum of human cancers. Current efforts focus on the molecular biology of telomerase function and regulation in human cancer cells. Proliferation: The ability of tumor cells to proliferate inappropriately is a hallmark of cancer. One gene that plays a key role in this process is the oncogene Ras. We have shown that Ras exerts its oncogenic signals differently in mice and human cells,and as a result from these studies, uncovered a pathway employed primarily in human cells during Ras oncogenesis. Current studies are aimed at understanding the molecular signaling of this oncogenic arm of Ras, and identifying other proteins that may similarly promote the unrestrained proliferation characteristic of cancer cells. In vivo tumor growth: While much can be learned about the processes of tumorigenesis in vitro, ultimately this disease empowers cells with the ability to form tumors in vivo. In this regard, we are genetically dissecting the changes required to drive normal human cells to form tumors in animals, and by utilizing the process of animal cloning, are creating new animal models for cancer.

See a picture of Dr. Counter's research in our Gallery.