Molecular Signaling Program

Normal cells have a complex series of molecular signals that allow communication between cells as well as transmittal of signals to the cell nucleus. These signals are critical for regulating cell growth, apoptosis, angiogenesis and immune avoidance of the tumor. Changes in the signaling pathways, either through mutation or changes in gene expression, are necessary for the continued growth of the tumor. An understanding of these aberrant signaling pathways, both in the tumor and in normal tissues, represent ideal targets for therapeutic intervention in translational cancer research.