The DNA Damage Response as a Target for Anti-Cancer Therapy, Fall 2008

Abstract:: Cellular responses to DNA damage constitute one of the most important fields in cancer biology. In this class we will analyze classical and recent papers from the primary research literature to gain a profound understand of cell cycle regulation and DNA damage checkpoints that act as powerful emergency brakes to prevent cancer. This course is one of many Advanced Undergraduate Seminars offered by the Biology Department at MIT. These seminars are tailored for students with an interest in using primary research literature to discuss and learn about current biological research in a highly interactive setting. Many instructors of the Advanced Undergraduate Seminars are postdoctoral scientists with a strong interest in teaching.

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Teaching Western Blots with T antigen and p53

Abstract:: Students perform Western blots with polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of detergent extracts of SV40-transformed cell lines grown in monolayer culture. The gels are blotted onto nitrocellulose and treated with a monoclonal antibody against SV40 T antigen or against the tumor suppressor p53. Blots are then treated with a secondary antibody (anti-mouse IgG conjugated to horseradish peroxidase), and exposed to revealing chemicals and x-ray film. I give one application: induction of p53 by ultraviolet light.

Abstract:: Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide. Cancer involves uncontrolled cell growth, resistance to cell death, failure to differentiate into a particular cell type, and increased cellular motility. A family of gate-keeper genes, known as tumor suppressor genes, plays important roles in preventing the initiation and progression of cancer. Among these, p53 is the most famous. Because of its essential role in maintaining genomic integrity, p53 is often called the guardian of the genome. During this course, we will study how p53 serves as a pivotal tumor suppressor gene in preventing cancer.This course is one of many Advanced Undergraduate Seminars offered by the Biology Department at MIT. These seminars are tailored for students with an interest in using primary research literature to discuss and learn about current biological research in a highly interactive setting. Many instructors of the Advanced Undergraduate Seminars are postdoctoral scientists with a strong interest in teaching.