In multicellular organisms, the number and type of cells in each tissue is highly regulated. When this regulatory balance is altered, a variety of diseases, including cancer, can develop.

Appropriate cell number normally is maintained by two processes, cell replication and cell death. Typically, most cells in the body are fully differentiated and do not replicate. However, they can be stimulated by a variety of signals to reenter the cell cycle.

Faculty working in the area of cell cycle control study the cells' progression through a series of stages by analyzing changes in cell cycle-dependent gene transcription and kinase activation. These studies incorporate exploration of the functions of specific oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes, as well as more global changes such as reorganization of the cell cytoskeleton, chromosomal condensation, and mitotic condensation. In particular, we seek to define the structural, biochemical, and genetic characteristics of cancer cells that distinguish them from their normal counterparts.

Finally, many investigators also explore mechanisms by which control of cell replication or death becomes uncoupled from or resistant to normal growth regulatory signals provided by the extracellular milieu. Several different model systems are employed in these studies, including yeast, cultured cells, and animals. We use chemical and physical carcinogens as well as genetic approaches to study the mechanisms by which cancer is initiated and progresses.

One of our major strengths is the association of many of our faculty with the McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research and the U.W. Comprehensive Cancer Center.