Cancer Research at The University of Montana
Cancer research takes many forms and extends to many disciplines at the University. Research being done includes improving our understanding of the mechanisms of cancer formation, designing preventative measures to reduce cancer incidence, development of novel therapeutic agents, and improving post-surgical care and rehabilitation in cancer patients. This research is housed in five academic units on campus; the Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, the Department of Chemistry, the Department of Health and Human Performance, the Division of Biological Sciences, and the School of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science.
University of Montana Affiliates
Howard Beall Ph.D CEHS/BMED
(406) 243-5112/4055
Howard.Beall@umontana.edu
Our research interests involve design and development of enzyme-directed anticancer drugs and mechanisms of toxicity of quinone antitumor agents. We are currently studying the role of NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase (NQO1), an enzyme that is overexpressed in a range of solid human tumors, in the bioreductive activation of novel antitumor quinones. Using molecular modeling, we are able to design new compounds that are both excellent substrates for NQO1 and selectively toxic to cancer cell lines that overexpress this enzyme.
Rich Bridges Ph.D. CSFN/BMED
(406) 243-4972/4308
Richard.Bridges@umontana.edu
The Bridges’ group is interested in the presence and function of glutamate uptake systems, such as the excitatory amino acid transporters (EAATs) or System Xc, in glial tumors. A focus is placed not only on the role that these transporters play in glial tumor biology, but also the exploitation of their presence for the selected delivery of therapeutic and/or imaging agents.
Blakely Brown Ph.D. Department of Health and Human Performance
(406) 243-6524
blakely.brown@mso.umt.edu
My overall cancer research interest is investigating the role of nutrition and cancer prevention, and improving quality of life (QOL) during cancer treatment. Past research (1996-2002) examined the effects of specific dietary fatty acids and soy in preventing premenopausal breast cancer. I have collaborated on clinical trials for the role of fiber or flaxseed in cancer prevention. Current research interests are for soy, flaxseed, total fat, or low glycemic index food intake patterns and the role these foods/dietary patterns and their bioactive compounds (e.g. phytoestrogens, saturated fat, oligosaccharides, etc) play in cancer prevention or improving QOL during, or post-chemotherapy, radiation treatment.
Lilian Calderón-Garcidueñas, M.D., Ph.D. CSFN/BMED
(406) 243-4785/4793
lcalderon@spahs.umt.edu
Research in the group involves the effects of urban particulates on central nervous system function. She is interested in the contribution of air pollution to development of CNS neoplasias.
Fernando Cardozo-Pelaez Ph.D. CEHS/CSFN/BMED
(406) 243-4025/4579
Fernando.cardozo@umontana.edu
Research in our lab aims to understand the biological consequences of damage to DNA as a result of exposure to environmental toxics or in the onset of disease, relevant to this objective we also work in elucidating the cellular mechanisms that regulate DNA repair systems and can allow for the accumulation of damage to DNA and development of cancer.
Doug Coffin Ph.D CEHS/BMED
(406) 243-4723/4759
Douglas.coffin@umontana.edu
Our research focuses on use of experimental genetics to investigate the development and remodeling of blood vessels in relation to pathology. Transgenic mice and genetically modified stem cell lines are used to construct models to study the molecular regulatory systems for blood vessel growth under normal and pathological conditions. Applications include tumor angiogenesis, cardiovascular toxicology and coronary angiogenesis.
Katie George Ph.D CSFN/BMED
(406) 243-5876
kathleen.george@umontana.edu
Research in my lab focuses on cellular effects of organophosphate pesticide exposure. Low doses of organophosphate pesctides on neuronal cells induces cell proliferation, and may contribute to development of neoplasias.
Andrij Holian Ph.D. CEHS/BMED
(406) 243-4018/4579
andrij.holian@umontana.edu
The Holian lab focuses on control of apoptosis-proliferation in immune cells responding to environmental stimuli in the lung. Many of these stimuli (asbestos) eventually contribute to the development of neoplasias.
James Laskin Ph.D. Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science/CHPBS
(406) 243-4757/4016
james.laskin@umontana.edu
The Applied Exercise Physiology Laboratory and the New Directions Wellness Center, housed in the School of Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Science provides comprehensive physical therapy and supervised exercise programs to over 120 people with physical limitations and chronic illness from the greater Missoula community. This fully equipped exercise physiology laboratory is able to facilitate a wide variety of research projects focused on health promotion, physical fitness and health, and exercise interventions for people with physical disabilities. A high priority is the programmatic development and the continued research in providing exercise programming for those with cancer. Most recently we have initiated a program/research for an exercise intervention for women with breast cancer undergoing adjuvant chemotherapy.
Diana Lurie Ph.D. CSFN/CEHS/BMED
(406) 243-2103/4419
Diana.lurie@umontana.edu
Research in the group involves elucidating the role of SHP-1 during manipulation of both the cell cycle and growth factor-mediated signal transduction cascades in vitro, as well as the role this enzyme may play during the oncogenic transformation of astrocytes into malignant glial brain tumors.
Brooke Martin Ph.D. Chemistry/CEHS
(406) 243-4546
Brooke.Martin@umontana.edu
We study the interaction of different base and nucleotide excision repair systems for the repair of different classes of oxidative DNA damage in bacterial and mammalian systems. We also examine the persistence and impact of oxidized DNA damage in the extra-genetic regions of DNA that are important for the control of gene expression.
Curtis Noonan Ph.D. CEHS/BMED
(406) 243-4957
curtis.noonan@umontana.edu
My research includes developing methods to reconstruct exposure histories in asbestos-exposed populations for epidemiological studies of asbestos related diseases such as mesothelioma and lung cancer. My recent research includes investigations of cancer incidence in communities exposed to environmental hazards. Future studies will include epidemiological investigations of lung cancer risk in communities exposed to high levels of woodsmoke-derived particulate matter.
Mark Pershouse Ph.D. CEHS/BMED
(406) 243-4769/4571/4545
mark.pershouse@umontana.edu
Interests include discovery of the critical genetic events in formation of human malignant mesotheliomas. Through transgenic and knockout mouse models, and genetic manipulation of cell line models, we are exploring the roles of several tumor suppressor genes (p16, p14/ARF, NF2, p53) in tumor formation. Our goal is to develop methods for early detection, improved diagnostics, and new avenues of therapy for this cancer.
Nigel Priestly Ph.D. Department of Chemistry
(406) 243-6251
Nigel.Priestley@umontana.edu
The Priestly lab has a research interest in chemical synthesis of less toxic and more effective anti-cancer chemotherapeutics. The lab is currently synthesizing analogs of nonactin, a macrocyclic polyether ionophore antibiotic targeting the MDR receptor, as well as analogs of daunorubicin and doxorubicin.
Liz Putnam Ph.D. CEHS/BMED
(406) 243-4794/4571
Elizabeth.putnam@umontana.edu
My laboratory is interested in gene-environment interactions in the development of diseases, specifically asbestos-related diseases. Lung cancer is one of the asbestos-related diseases we are studying. By examining gene expression changes related to lung cancer development after asbestos exposure in a mouse model, we hope to better understand the specific pathways involved in this process.
Kevan Roberts Ph.D. CEHS/BMED
(406) 243-4034/4791
kevan.roberts@umontana.edu
Our research interests include developing novel immunotherapeutic approaches for the treatment of mesothelioma, in mice. The role of COX-2 in promoting metastasis of mesothelioma will be examined and whether any effects are mediated via the host immune system determined. To complement these studies the depletion of immuno-suppressive CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells will be examined as an approach to promote anti-tumor immune responses in mice bearing mesothelioma tumors.
David Shepherd Ph.D. CEHS/BMED
(406) 243-2224/4791
david.shepherd@umontana.edu
My research program focuses on two distinct areas of cancer biology that involve the immune system. The first project involves the functional and molecular characterization of two zinc finger transcription factors, CTIP-1 (Bcl11a) and CTIP-2 (Bcl11b), in immune cells. Dysregulation of these genes leads to the formation of lymphoma and leukemia, respectively. The second area of investigation aims to define the potential of nutraceuticals, especially ginseng, to enhance the anti-tumor immune response to cancerous cells.
Kent Sugden Ph.D. Department of Chemistry
(406) 243-4193
kent.sugden@umontana.edu
My research focuses on the mechanism of interaction of metal complexes with biomolecules that can lead to the formation of genetic aberrations such as mutations, cancer and toxicity. My primary metal of interest is chromium, which in the +6 oxidation state, is a known human carcinogen. One method by which chromium may induce cancer in humans is through oxidative damage to nucleic acids. Our research group is focused on the mechanism by which this oxidative chemistry may occur and the resulting lesions that are formed on DNA that can give rise to carcinogenesis.
Chuck Thompson Ph.D. CSFN/BMED
(406) 243-4643/4735
charles.thompson@umontana.edu
The Thompson lab works on the development of new synthetic approaches to analogs of the anti-cancer agents cyclophosphamide and pancratistatin. Our lab is also interested in understanding the link between cancer and environmental agents like organophosphate insecticides and in using proteomics to differentiate cancer cell protein profiles from normal cells.
Barb Wright Ph.D. Division of Biological Sciences
(406) 243-6676
barbara.wright@mso.umt.edu
Our work concerns stress-directed mutagenesis in E coli and humans, and is currently focused on the p53 tumor suppressor gene as well as on somatic hypermutation in immunoglobulin genes. Analyses indicate that, in both cases, the stress of mutagens or foreign antigens act indirectly, to increase mutation frequencies by activating specific transcription. Increased levels of transcription create secondary DNA structures containing unpaired bases vulnerable to mutation.
