Michael C. MacLeod, Ph.D. 1974, University of Oregon The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center Department of Carcinogenesis My laboratory is located in Smithville, Texas, at UT Science Park -- Research Division. Interested in a rotation in Smithville or Bastrop? Free housing is available! Contact Information

Research Interests:

• Chemical carcinogenesis
• Breast cancer
• DNA damage responses
• Mustard gas

We have recently discovered that the ATF3 gene, coding for a member of the bZip transcription factor family, acts as an oncogene in transgenic mice, producing tumors of the oral epithelium and of the mammary gland. Current work in the lab focuses on the mechanism of ATF3 action in these transgenic mice, particularly on possible effects on the Wnt/beta-catenin signaling pathway. In an unrelated project, we are involved in an NIH sponsored counter-terrorism consortium developing treatments for chemical threat agents that might be empoloyed by terrorists in this country. A previously developed cancer chemopreventive agent, 2,6-dithiopurine, is being studied as an effective scavenging agent against sulfur mustard gas, which is itself a powerful toxicant as well as a carcinogen.

Publications

Program Affiliation:

Program in Molecular Carcinogenesis