The Laboratory of Experimental Carcinogenesis implements a research program designed to characterize cellular and molecular mechanisms of neoplastic development in human and animal cells; generate transgenic mouse models relevant for human tumor development; apply molecular cytogenetics towards elucidation of the role of recurrent chromosomal abnormalities in the pathogenesis of both experimentally induced and human tumors; characterize the metabolic processing, genotoxicity, and carcinogenicity of food-derived heterocyclic amines in both animals and man.
The Cellular and Molecular Biology Section uses the transgenic mouse models to study the cellular and genetic factors critical in the interaction of c-myc with growth factors during hepatocarcinogenesis, and the role of nitric oxide in mammary carcinogenesis. Studies are conducted on cellular and molecular aspects of the hepatic stem cell compartment and on the molecular biology of the multidrug resistance genes.
The Chemical Carcinogenesis Section focuses on metabolic processing, genotoxicity, and carcinogenicity of food derived heterocyclic amines and DNA repair processes. The role of dietary components on mammary carcinogenesis is also being investigated.
The Molecular Cytogenetics Section employs molecular cytogenetic technologies to identify, map, and characterize cellular genes that affect neoplastic development. The genetic linkage groups between mouse and human will be utilized to translate data from transgenic tumor models to identify novel tumor susceptibility genes in man.
The Protein Research Group develops biochemical and chemical techniques for detection, identification, and characterization, both structurally and functionally, of proteins altered during carcinogenesis.
Principal investigators in the LEC are Mark J. Miller, Nicholas C. Popescu, Elizabeth G. Snyderwine, and Snorri S. Thorgeirsson.
The Laboratory of Experimental Carcinogenesis periodically has openings for outstanding postdoctoral fellows. Please direct inquiries to the appropriate Principal Investigator via the indicated e-mail address or via regular mail at LABORATORY OF EXPERIMENTAL CARCINOGENESIS, BUILDING 37 ROOM 3C28, 37 CONVENT DR MSC 4255, BETHESDA MD 20892-4255. Applications from minorities and women are encouraged.