Patrick A. Zweidler-McKay, M.D., Ph.D.
1997, Temple University
The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center
Department of Pediatrics
|
Patrick A. Zweidler-McKay, M.D., Ph.D. 1997, Temple University The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center |
Research Interests:
The research in my laboratory is directed at understanding the critical genetic events which lead to the development of leukemia, and to the discovery of novel therapeutic approaches through molecular strategies. The current focus of my laboratory is on the Notch receptor signaling pathway. This pathway is dysregulated in T cell malignancies and provides an exciting potential therapeutic approach for these leukemias. In addition, modulation of the Notch pathway in B cell malignancies leads to their growth arrest and apoptosis, revealing another potential therapeutic approach. I am developing molecular strategies to modulate Notch signaling for clinical use.
To identify additional pathways involved in leukemogenesis, I am establishing a human/SCID mouse model in which retroviral insertional mutagenesis is used to induce leukemia in normal human hematopoietic stem cells. This will allow us to define groups of collaborating genetic events which lead to human leukemia.
A tutorial in my laboratory would provide experience in the fundamentals of basic molecular biology which leads to rapid development of novel therapeutic approaches. Training would be geared towards developing translational research questions as well as a comprehensive set of molecular biology techniques.