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Research Interests:
The overall objective of research conducted in my lab, is the characterization of genes that govern the progression of human melanoma. Given this goal, we have performed Serial Analysis of Gene Expression (SAGE), whole-genome and proteomic profiling to identify genes and proteins that are upregulated with progression from melanoma in situ to advanced melanoma. The results of these high-throughput approaches have led to the identification of several genes that hitherto have not been associated with melanoma. Using RNA interference, optical imaging, and small-molecule inhibitors, we conduct experiments, both in vitro and in human melanoma xenografts, to determine the role of these genes/proteins in advanced melanoma. The studies are expected to identify new targets for molecular therapy of melanoma.
Selected Publications:
Abdullah C, Wang X, Becker D (2011). Expression analysis and molecular targeting of cyclin-dependent kinases in advanced melanoma. Cell Cycle 10: 977-988.
Wang X, Moschos SJ, Becker D (2010). Functional analysis and molecular targeting of Aurora kinases A and B in advanced melanoma. Genes & Cancer 1: 952-963.
Botelho MG, Wang X, Arndt-Jovin DJ, Becker D, Jovin TM (2010). Induction of terminal differentiation in melanoma cells on downregulation of beta-amyloid precursor protein. J Invest. Dermatol. 130: 1400-1410.
Moschos SJ, Pfaff Smith A, Mandic M, Athanassiou C, Watson-Hurst K, Jukic DM, Edington HD, Kirkwood JM, Becker D (2007). SAGE and antibody array analysis of melanoma-infiltrated lymph nodes: identification of Ubc9 as an important molecule in advanced-stage melanomas. Oncogene 26: 4216-4225.
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