The faculty members of the Lab of Biochemistry collaborate in a common research project entitled:
MOLECULAR MECHANISMS OF THE CELLULAR RESPONSE TO HYPOXIA: ACTIVATION AND FUNCTION OF THE HYPOXIA-INDUCIBLE TRANSCRIPTION FACTORS (HIFs) AND THEIR INVOLVEMENT IN CARCINOGENESIS.
The hypoxia-inducible transcription factors HIF-1 and HIF-2 are the key mediators of the cellular response to hypoxia (reduced oxygen concentration) which involves expression of many genes that promote anaerobic metabolism, erythropoiesis and angiogenesis. Hypoxia characterizes physiological processes, such as embryonic development and osteogenesis, as well as many pathological conditions such as ischemia and cancer. Regulation of HIFs has, therefore, extreme medical importance and is a validated therapeutic target.
More specifically, the following hypoxia-related topics have been or are currently being investigated in the Lab of Biochemistry:
The induction mechanisms of HIF-1α and HIF-2α by chemical and biological agents under normal or hypoxic conditions in human primary and cancer cell lines or tissues.
The roles of HIF-1α and HIF-2α in cellular metabolism, survival, proliferation and apoptosis of cancer cells.
Non-genomic HIF-1α functions and their role in cellular metabolism, survival and apoptosis of cancer cells.
Regulation of HIF-1α and HIF-2α by phosphorylation and nucleocytoplasmic transport in cancer cells.
Identification of proteins that interact with HIF-1α and HIF-2α and the biological-medical significance of these interactions.
The role of sumoylation in the cellular response to hypoxia.
The non-transcriptional effects of hypoxia on nuclear architecture and the RNA splicing machinery.