Joint Fellowship Training Program
Mentors:
Baolin Zhang, Ph.D.
Organizational Affiliation and Position:
Principal Investigator, Division of Therapeutic Proteins (DTP), Office of Biotechnology Products (OBP), Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER), FDA
Email:
baolin.zhang@fda.hhs.gov
Telephone:
301-827-1784
Running Title of Program:
Molecular regulation of drug-induced apoptosis
Research Project Possibilities:
We study the central mechanisms by which cancer cells undergo apoptosis, with emphasis on the Rho GTPase-regulated biochemical pathways in controlling the outcome of antitumor treatments. The Rho proteins (Rac1, Cdc42, RhoA, etc.) regulate many aspects of normal cell growth and malignant transformation. They are aberrant in many human tumors due to protein overexpression or to changes in upstream or downstream signaling components. We use a variety of human cancer cell lines and xenograft animal models to determine the role of Rho proteins and their regulators in the regulation of death receptor as well as other key components of apoptotic pathways. We are particularly interested in identifying molecular alterations in these pathways that contribute to the drug resistance. The long-term goal of our research is to improve safety and efficacy of oncology drug products.
Proposed project for IOTF fellow:
The Fellow will apply her/his expertise in apoptosis and cell signalling to investigate the drug-resistance mechanisms of cancer cells. The project will be focused on characterizing the role of Rho GTPases in the regulation of cell surface death receptors and their downstream signaling components.
Regulatory Activity:
The Division of Therapeutic Proteins (DTP) regulates diverse therapeutic proteins including a large number of oncology products. The Fellow will participate in review on new anti-tumor drug applications as well as other products regulated in DTP.
References:
Di Sun, Duo Xu, and Baolin Zhang (2006) Rac signaling in tumorigenesis and as target for anticancer drug development. Drug Resistance Updates, 9, 274-287 (Review).
Baolin Zhang (2006) Rho GDP dissociation inhibitors as potential targets for anticancer treatment. Drug Resistance Updates. 9, 134-141 (Review).
Yaqin Zhang and Baolin Zhang (2006) D4-GDI, a Rho GTPase regulator, promotes breast cancer cell invasiveness. Cancer Res. 66 (11), 5592-5598.
Baolin Zhang, Yaqin Zhang, Marie C. Dagher, and Emily Shacter (2005) Rho GDP Dissociation Inhibitor protects cancer cells against drug-induced apoptosis. Cancer Res. 65 (14), 6054-6062.
