One of the main areas of research in our laboratory
is to reveal and elucidate the molecular mechanisms
of TGF-ß signal transduction in the context
of animal model systems of human diseases. We intend
to determine the role of Smad proteins, two of which
are tumor suppressors mutated in human cancers, in
regulating cell proliferation and differentiation.
Using Smad3 deficient mouse as a model system, as
well as cultured cells, we are currently investigating
the involvement of TGF-ß signaling and Smad3
function in the development of three types of human
diseases: carcinogenesis in colon and breast; bone
remodeling; and inflammatory immune disfunction.
The second area of research aims to determine the
signaling mechanism of checkpoint control of cell
cycle in response to DNA replication block and DNA
damage. The main focus is to study the functions
of Rad17, ATM, ATR, and PP5 as key components of
the checkpoint pathway.
The third area of research aims to determine the
mechanism of tumor angiogenesis and metastasis. We
have investigated tumor progression promoted by the
activity of a novel protein secreted by many types
of human tumors using both cultured cells and animal
model systems.
