Christine Eischen, PhD

The focus of the Eischen laboratory is to identify and study the genes that regulate cellular transformation.  This is accomplished through approaches designed to test how specific genes impact cell proliferation, apoptosis, chromosomal stability, and DNA repair.  We utilize mice and cell lines that lack or overexpress one or more genes and mice that are genetically engineered to spontaneously develop cancers.  We also utilize patient samples. A large part of the laboratory studies B cell lymphoma, but there are also projects on carcinoma of the lung, breast, and ovary.  Many of the genes we study are revealed to influence known oncogenic and tumor suppressor pathways linked to cancer.  Currently, there are ongoing investigations into the genes that regulate or contribute to the oncogenic functions of Myc, Mdm2, and Ras and the tumor suppressor functions of Arf and p53. Studies to evaluate the role of specific miRNA in cellular transformation are also being performed. Our goal is to determine the function of novel genes/RNA or discover a new function for a known gene/RNA that increases understanding into tumorigenesis. Our research should also identify potential therapeutic targets that could lead to improved intervention strategies for the treatment of human malignancies.