In collaboration with Drs. Arthur Sagalowsky and Jeffrey Bergelson, we are exploring the potential application of gene therapy on both PCa and transitional carcinoma (TCC) of the bladder. We are working on the improvement of the viral uptake of recombinant adenoviral vector.

We found that decreased or absent coxsackie and adenoviral receptor (CAR), a rate-limiting step of viral uptake, is often found with cancer lines and correlates with disease progression. Biologically, little is known about the role of CAR in PCa and TCC progression. We recently demonstrated that CAR has a negative impact on the growth of both cancer types.

Based on these findings, we will:

• Develop a screening/monitoring method for determining the status of CAR in cancer patients before and during gene therapy trials
• Study the structural functional relationship of CAR molecule and its downstream signal cascade
• Delineate the regulation of the CAR gene
• Establish a high-throughput screening system for agent(s) with inducing endogenous CAR gene expression activity

Principal Investigator:  Jer-Tsong Hsieh, Ph.D.

For more information about the Department of Urology, contact:

Phone: 214-648-4765, FAX: 214-648-4789

Mailing Address: 5323 Harry Hines Blvd., J8.148, Dallas, TX 75390-9110