References:
- Uray, I.P., Connelly, J.H., Thomazy, V., Shipley, G.L., Vaughn, W., Frazier, H.O., Taegtmeyer, H., Davies, P.J.A. Coordindinated Changes in the Expression of Apoptosis-Related Genes with Mechanical Unloading of the Failing Human Heart. J. Heart Lung Transplant. In Press.
- neuronal Tau aggregation in Alzheimer's disease. J Biol Chem. 2;276(5):3295-301, 2001.
- Young M.E., Patil S., Ying J., Depre C., Ahuja, H.S., Shipley G.L., Stepkowski, S.M., Davies, P.J., Taegtmeyer, H. Uncoupling protein 3 transcription is regulated by peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (alpha) in the adult rodent heart. FASEB J. 15(3):833-45,2001.
- Uray, I.P., Davies, P.J.A. and Fesus, L. Pharmacological Separation of the Expression of Tissue Transglutaminase Apoptosis after Chemotherapeutic Treatment of HepG2 Cells. Mol. Pharm. 59 (6):1388-94, 2001.
John McMahon, Ph.D.
Professor
UTHSC, Medical School, (713) 500 - 7481
John.C.McMahon@uth.tmc.edu
Molecular basis for the effect of hormones and drugs on gene expression
Mechanism of hormone action; regulation of gene expression; hormonal control of cellular proliferation; regulation of macrophage function; molecular basis of retinoid action; regulation and function of cellular transglutaminases; molecular basis of malignant transformation and cancer
Retinoids are a group of naturally occurring metabolites of Vitamin A that exert profound effects on the growth and differentiation of malignant cells. Our studies have demonstrated that a specific retinoid, trans-retinoic acid, has a direct effect on the rate of expression of a specific enzyme, tissue transglutaminase, in normal and leukemic macrophages. We are using the expression of tissue transglutaminases to characterize the molecular steps involved in the interactions of retinoic acid with a target cell. Specifically, we are investigating how retinoids are delivered to susceptible cells, how the retinoids reach the nucleus and how they interact with chromatin to regulate gene expression. We hope from these studies to establish the role of retinoids in the regulation of proliferation of both normal and leukemic cells.
Tutorial research in my laboratory can include an introduction to the basic principles of laboratory research, the design and systematic evaluation of experimental data, the use of normal and leukemic cultured cells as model systems, the use of immunochemical approaches to biochemical research, and the use of electrophoresis, HPLC chromatography and recombinant DNA techniques.
