Peter E. Zage, M.D., Ph.D.
Ph.D., 1997, Columbia University
M.D., 1999, Columbia University
The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center
Department of Pediatrics
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Peter E. Zage, M.D., Ph.D. Ph.D., 1997, Columbia University The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center |
Research Interests:
The research in our laboratory is directed at understanding the critical genetic and molecular events that lead to the development of neuroblastoma in children, and to the discovery of novel therapeutic approaches through molecular strategies. In collaboration with Patrick Zweidler-McKay, M.D., Ph.D., and other members of the Division of Pediatrics, we have established in vitro and in vivo neuroblastoma model systems, utilizing panels of neuroblastoma tumor cells and mouse xenograft models to test growth, apoptosis and differentiation in response to novel treatments. These assays allow rapid screening of potentially useful therapeutics agents, and we have demonstrated the efficacy of inhibition of VEGFR and EGFR tyrosine kinases in neuroblastoma model systems. Currently we are evaluating the efficacy of a variety of other tyrosine kinase inhibitors in our neurooblastoma models, in addition to exploring the role of other potential kinase signalling pathways and non-kinase targets in neuroblastoma pathogenesis.
A tutorial in my laboratory would introduce the concepts of translational research and neurobiology, and provide experience in the fundamentals of basic molecular and cellular biology leading to rapid development of novel therapeutic approaches. Experience would be gained in the handling and preparation of xenograft tumor samples and primary patient tumor samples. Training would be geared towards developing translational research questions as well as a comprehensive set of molecular biology techniques.
Graduate students in our laboratory would be required to participate in weekly lab meetings and laboratory journal club (with the expectation of reading selected journal articles, participating in discussions, and presenting journal articles on a regular basis). Furthermore, students would be required to attend the weekly Department of Pediatric Research Seminar Series and formally present results annually, and to attend appropriate national conferences for presentation of results.
Program Affiliation: