Basic Research

Basic Research

Basic Research

Even after decades of research, the molecular basis for why spermatogenesis requires testosterone is not completely understood. This is in part because very few androgen-regulated genes have been definitively identified so far. It is likely that most androgen-regulated genes in the testis respond indirectly to androgen via activation or suppression of transcription by other trans-acting factors directly regulated by androgen.

Instruction

Adipose stromal cells (ASCs) are the major source for some adipose tissue-derived, tumor-promoting factors including estrogens and various cytokines. Emerging evidence indicates that circulating ASCs are distinctly associated with obese individuals, in particular obese cancer patients. Functionally, circulating ASCs can travel to tumor stroma in distant organs to promote tumor progression. However, as circulating ASCs are relatively rare, they are unlikely to outnumber resident ASCs that are often abundantly present in tumor stroma.

Basic Research

Basic Research

Little is known about the etiology or risk factors for autism, a disease affecting 1 in 50 children in the U.S. While genetic and environmental factors are thought to act together, the specific mechanisms are not known and the measurement of environmental risk factors during critical periods of neurodevelopment has been lacking. This case-control study seeks to apply a novel dental biomarker of early life metal exposure, including in utero, to identify risk factors for ASD.