fels institute for cancer research & molecular biology

Research Programs

Molecular Genetics

Cancer Biology and Genetics

Cell and Developmental Biology

Experimental Therapeutics

Immunology and Virology

Genetics

The Molecular Genetics Program investigators elucidate molecular and biochemical processes regulating normal cell cycle progression and checkpoint control, chromatin remodeling, transcription, ubiquitin signaling, protein phosphorylation and signal transduction.  They also study how these events impinge on normal cell proliferation, senescence, differentiation and apoptosis.

Investigators participating in this program are:

Nora Engel, PhD

Xavier Grana, PhD

Dale Haines, PhD

Barbara Hoffman, PhD

Dan Liebermann, PhD

E. Premkumar Reddy, PhD

Scott Shore, PhD

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Cancer Biology and Genetics investigators study the molecular, genetic and epidemiological basis of cancer and tumor formation. Novel mouse models using transgene and gene knock-out technologies are used to study the role of oncogenes and growth suppressor genes. Investigators also use cellular models based on cultured human and murine cells to study cellular transformation, disruption of cell differentiation and alterations in senescence. A wide range of state-of-the-art molecular biology and recombinant viral tools are used to modify gene/protein function in these systems to gain insight into the pathways and proteins responsible for transformation with special focus on tumor suppressor genes and oncogenes.

Investigators participating in this program are:

Raghbir Athwal, PhD

Nora Engel, PhD

Xavier Grana, PhD

Dale Haines, PhD

Barbara Hoffman, PhD

Dan Liebermann, PhD

E. Premkumar Reddy, PhD

Scott Shore, PhD

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Cell and Developmental Biology Program investigators study the genetic, epigenetic, cellular and molecular mechanisms regulating embryonic development.  Cloning by somatic cell nuclear transfer is employed to study gene regulation during normal development.  State-of-the-art molecular techniques together with RNA interference technology are also employed to manipulate gene function during development.

Investigators participating in this program are:

Nora Engel, PhD

Keith Latham, PhD

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A major goal of the Experimental Therapeutics Program is to develop targeted therapies for cancer and other debilitating diseases such as AIDS and to study the mechanism of action of these therapeutic agents.   A major focus is on drug discovery and medicinal chemistry.  This program collaborates with clinical oncologists to conduct Phase I and Phase II clinical trials of novel therapeutic agents developed as part of this program.

Investigators participating in this program are:

Xavier Grana, PhD

E. Premkumar Reddy, PhD

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Immunology and Virology Program investigators study the regulation of the immune system with emphasis on certain inflammatory processes. Other investigators focus on the study of HIV infection and replication, as well as the role of HIV in neurodegeneration. Moreover, several laboratories utilize recombinant viruses such as adenoviruses, retroviruses and lentiviruses as tools to transduce a variety of cellular systems.

Investigators participating in this program are:

Xavier Grana, PhD

Thomas Rogers, PhD

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Genetics Program investigators study the mechanisms that result in exceptions to Mendel's laws of inheritance as well as the causes, consequences and mechanisms of gene imprinting.

Investigators participating in this program are:

Nora Engel, PhD

Keith Latham, PhD

Carmen Sapienza, PhD

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Contact Information:

Fels Institute for Cancer Research & Molecular Biology

Temple University School of Medicine

3400 N. Broad Street

Room 150 Allied Health Building

Philadelphia, PA  19140

T: 215-707-4300

F: 215-707-4588