Research Projects
Research in this laboratory is focused on two immediate-early genes, Cox-2 and EDG-1 that are induced during angiogenesis, also known as new vessel formation. Cox-2 is an enzyme that catalyzes the formation of prostaglandins. We are investigating the mechanisms by which Cox-2 mRNA is stabilized and how enhanced Cox-2 expression regulates tumorigenesis. EDG-1 is a G-protein-coupled receptor for sphingosine 1-phosphate, a bioactive lipid secreted by platelets. We are studying how this receptor regulates specific signaling pathways to induce endothelial cell migration and morphogenesis into capillary-like tubes. These efforts may provide new insights to how vessels grow in normal conditions as well as during solid tumor growth.
- Signal transduction of sphingosine 1-phosphate receptors (EDG receptors)
- Role of EDG receptors in vascular biology, angiogenesis and cancer
- Sphingosine kinases in angiogenesis and cancer
- Cyclooxygenase-2, angiogenesis and cancer
- Bioactive lipid signal transduction and biology
- Regulation of COX-2 gene expression
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