Genetics Graduate Program at MSU
presents a symposium on
Mechanisms of Tumor Suppressor Proteins
May 16th, 2009
SYMPOSIUM DESCRIPTION
For over 40 years, from Knudson’s studies of retinoblastoma (RB), the activity of tumor suppressor genes has been identified by their pathologic consequences. Taking RB as an example, which is lost in 1/3 to 1/2 of human cancers, mutations in these genes are commonly associated with tumorigenesis. Yet molecular studies have increasingly illuminated the roles these proteins play in normal developmental and physiological processes as well, suggesting that the primary role of these factors is not to guard from cancer per se, but to regulate everyday processes that can also play a role in this disease. Cell-based and model organism-based research is illuminating pathways through which tumor suppressor proteins mediate their activity in normal and disease states. The Genetics Program of Michigan State University is pleased to sponsor a focused symposium on Tumor Suppressor Proteins, featuring leaders in this field.
This symposium, which is open to all members of the MSU campus, as well as interested researchers from off campus, complements a graduate seminar on Tumor Suppressors organized by David Arnosti, Bill Henry, and Cindy Miranti, and Hua Xiao.