Author Interviews, Cancer Research, Columbia, Genetic Research / 19.02.2016
New Gene Pathway Underlies Some Tumors in Tuberous Sclerosis Complex
MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
Jeanine D'Armiento, M.D., Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Medicine in Anesthesiology
Director of the Center for Molecular Pulmonary Disease in Anesthesiology and Physiology and Cellular Biophysics
Director, Center for LAM and Rare Lung Disease
New York, NY 10032
Medical Research: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings?
Dr. D'Armiento: I am the Director of the Center for Lymphangiomyomatosis (LAM) and Rare Lung Disease at Columbia University; the Center focuses on this proliferative lung disease, which arises spontaneously or as the pulmonary manifestation of the Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC). We have one of the largest cohorts of these patients in the country. Through an understanding of the pathogenesis of LAM our research aims to identify novel therapeutic targets of the disease to improve the care of these patients.
Building on our previous research we demonstrated that the HMGA2 gene and its signaling pathway (the route of information which begins an action within cells), are required to produce tumors in the lung and kidneys in individuals with Tuberous Sclerosis Complex.
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