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The research team of Xianxin Hua, M.D., Ph.D., searches for novel approaches to block cell division, with the aim of discovering a new way to suppress tumor cell proliferation. The team studies a substance called Transforming Growth Factor ß ( TGF ß ) that normally limits cell growth. They have identified genes whose products can enhance the performance of TGF ß in suppressing tumors. These genes may strengthen the suppression of tumor cells by TGF-ß.
Hua and his colleagues also hope to identify the function of a new tumor suppressor gene called Menin. Many patients with tumors in their endocrine organs show mutations in this gene. Hua's research team has already developed several systems to study the function of Menin. They have recently found that menin actively participates in regulation of apoptosis and genome stability. By further understanding Menin's function, the scientists hope to gain insight into suppressing the tumor cells in endocrine organs.
Background
Dr. Hua received his M.D. from Hubei Medical College, China, and Ph.D. from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas. He did his graduate research with Michael Brown and Joseph Goldstein on genetic regulation of cholesterol metabolism. He completed his postdoctoral training with Harvey Lodish at the Whitehead Institute, MIT, on studying the TGF-ß signal transduction and tumorigenesis. Dr. Hua received the prestigious Howard Temin Award from NIH, a Burroughs Wellcome Career Development Award, and a Rita Alan Scholar Award.
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