foster integrated research
that spans key themes of modern cell biology, especially as they relate
to cancer etiology, prevention and therapy,
enhance the capabilities of members
through
establishment or expansion of appropriate core facilities, and
promote
interactions
with other UNC LCCC basic, clinical and population science programs.
Program research is organized around
growth factor/receptor action
cell
signaling
cell cycle regulation
chromatin biochemistry/transcriptional regulation
angiogenesis/vascular
biology, and
cell microstructure/function.
Program highlights include the
short-order
discovery by Dr. Yi
Zhang (winner of the 2003 AACR Gertrude B.
Elion Award for
Cancer Research) of most of the known histone methyltransferase
enzymes and their roles in fundamental biological processes, as well as
translational work by Drs.
Al Baldwin, Jim Cusack and others demonstrating the potential
value of NF-kB
activation combined with traditional chemotherapy regimen.
The
Program
adds value to the Center by fostering interactions among a large
group of cell
biologists with overlapping, cancer-relevant interests that span
numerous UNC departments.
Future
plans for the Program include selective recruitment in new
areas, and increased
emphasis on translational studies and intra- and interprogrammatic
interactions.
