Lee-Nien Lillian Chan, Ph.D., Professor
We are studying the cellular and molecular basis of the effects of retinoids (vitamin A analogues) in reversing the malignant phenotype, inhibiting proliferation, and/or inducing apoptosis of several cancer cell lines. We recently found that 4-hydroxyphenylretinamide (4-HPR), a retinoic acid derivative, is highly effective in arresting the growth and causing apoptosis of malignant lymphoid cells, but not normal cells. 4-HPR is considered a most promising chemopreventive drug for various forms of cancer because of its mild side-effects and its long-term tolerability by humans. We are also investigating the mechanisms by which retinoids and other cytotoxic agents induce apoptosis in malignant cells. The roles of oxidative stress, changes in mitochondrial membrane potential and cytochrome C release in initiating programmed cell death are being elucidated. In addition, we are developing retinoid-insensitive cell lines for understanding the basis for resistance and differential sensitivity.
In a separate project, in collaboration with Dr. Teh-sheng Chan, we are studying a strain of transgenic mice that manifest symptoms that are similar to those of asthmatic patients. We are using gene chip arrays to delineate the differences in gene expression between diseased mice and normal mice.Those genes whose expression is significantly altered are being further studied and characterized.The long-term goal is to utilize this transgenic mouse model to elucidate the pathogenesis of asthma-like disease.
