Alterations in the regulation and/or levels of gene expression and proliferation are a central feature of the transformed phenotype. An in-depth analysis of the process of gene expression at multiple levels (DNA, RNA, protein) using a variety of in vitro as well as in vivo approaches (biochemical, molecular, cell biological, and structural) is essential to completely understand the initiation and regulation of this central process as well as aberrations that occur in cancer cells. Gene expression can be regulated at multiple levels, from the production of mature mRNA from pre-mRNA precursors, to transport of mature RNA into the cytoplasm where it can be translated, to stability or destruction of proteins. Gene expression profiling experiments using DNA microarrays are revealing new insights into complex cancer-related processes such as angiogenesis, apoptosis, senescence, metastasis, and chemotherapy response.

Adrian Krainer - Posttranscriptional control of gene expression; pre-mRNA splicing mechanisms, fidelity and genetic diseases; alternative splicing; RNA-protein interactions; cell-free systems
Vivek Mittal - Tumor genomics; bone marrow stem cells; transcription profiling; RNA interference; mouse models of cancer
David Spector - Cell biology; gene expression; nuclear structure; microscopy
Bill Tansey - Oncogene regulation; transcription; protein destruction