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Immunobiology and Cancer Research Program

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OMRF scientists cast new light on cancer-related genes

OMRF research could curb infections in the elderly

Xiao-Hong Sun, Ph.D. Member, Immunobiology and Cancer Research Program Eli Lilly Distinguished Chair in Biomedical Research Adjunct Professor, Departments of Microbiology and Immunology and Cell   Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center

The human body craves balance. All of our biological systems work (or should work) in concert to keep us healthy. One imbalance can send ripple effects throughout the body, causing disease and sometimes death.

In my lab, we study a protein called Notch, which functions as a decision-maker. It’s vital to life. Too little of it, and we wouldn’t be born—but too much of it can lead to cancer.

One important role of Notch is in the development of the immune system. White blood cells come from stem cells, but at a certain point, they have a decision to make—whether to become B cells, T cells or bacteria-eating macrophages. Notch plays a similar role in the body, keeping the balance to help regulate other functions. But an excess of Notch can lead to cancer, including leukemia.

We are particularly interested in how Notch performs regulatory functions in normal development and in diseases. For example, we found that Notch breaks down other proteins to influence how cells divide and develop. They can direct cell lineage depending on which proteins they break down at what times and in what locations.

Only by studying the chain of events that leads from Notch to cancer can we hope to find a way to inhibit the dangerous effects of Notch without stopping its natural, healthy regulation.