Analysis of Novel Cell Death Genes in Human Neurodegenerative
Disorders
Lawrence Schwartz, Ph.D., Biology, UMass
Luis Moral, M.D., Pathology, Baystate
Christos Valavanis, Post-Doctoral, Biology, UMass
This is a study to provide fundamental insight into the regulation
of neuron death. Identification of key regulatory elements could
serve as targets for therapeutic alteration in an effort to block
the loss of neurons in pathological situations.
Effective Date - January 1, 1996
Expression of WNT/wingless Genes in Human Cancers
Susan Cumberledge, Ph.D., Biochemistry & Molecular Biology,
UMass
MaryAnn Lane, OB/GYN, Baystate
The proto-oncogene Wnt - 1 and its Drosophila homologue wingless
encode secrete signaling molecules that control growth and cell
fate decisions in neighboring cells. Recent studies have found that
anti-wingless antibody recognizes an antigen present in specific
human breast and ovarian cancers, and experimental observations
have suggested that misregulation of WNT - 1 may play an important
role in the onset of breast and colon cancers. This study proposes
to use the anti-wingless antibody to characterize the expression
pattern of the human antigen. What types of carcinomas express the
antigen, and when during disease progression is expression activated?
In addition, the nature of the human antigen will be determined.
Effective Date - January 1, 1996
Retinal Projections to the Brainstem: An Interface between Vision
and Serotonergic Systems
Katherine Fite, Ph.D., Psychology, UMass
Warren Foote, M.D., Director of Medical Research, Baystate
Skirmantas Janusonis, Graduate Student, Neuroscience & Behavior,
UMass
This study considers the therapeutic effects of light on a region
of the brainstem that produces a neurotransmitter, serotonin, which
has been implicated in a variety of clinical disorders that involve
depression and mood changes. Results of this study could bring new
understanding to the cause of seasons effective disorder, (SAD),
in which people become depressed during times of year when there
is only limited daylight. Specifically, researchers are interested
in learning about the function of a newly discovered pathway from
the retina to the brainstem and how this optic pathway can influence
the activity of serotonin-producing neurons.
Effective Date - January 1, 1996
Extramural Funding:
Whitehall Fund (11/96) - $129,000
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