Section: Rotations

Postdoctoral Position Available

Francis Chan, Ph.D.

Academic Role: Assistant Professor

Faculty Appointment(s) In:
   Pathology

Other Affiliation(s):
   Center for AIDS Research
   Interdisciplinary Graduate Program
   Program in Immunology and Virology

Potential Rotation Projects

1. Examining TRAIL-induced apoptosis in cancer and normal cells.
   We have found that primary CD8+ T-cells are resistant to while most of the cancer cells are sensitive to TRAIL-induced apoptosis.  However, we recently found that certain stimulation to the cells can reverse the cellular sensitivity to TRAIL.  In this rotation project, the student will examine the molecular signals that control cellular sensitivity to TRAIL-induced apoptosis.  Specifically, the students will examine the role of lipid rafts and protein kinase C in regulating TRAIL response.  The student will learn standard biochemical and molecular biology techniques in this project.  In addition, the student will be exposed to concepts relating to receptor signal transduction, cell death and TNF receptor biology.   
   
   
2. Molecular regulation of programmed necrosis.
   TNF stimulation through TNF receptors activates a myriad of biological responses ranging from cell death to inflammation.   Interestingly, apoptosis is a dominant cell death pathway over programmed necrosis.  Thus, inhibition of caspases, which is an essential step during apoptosis, is crucial for the induction of programmed necrosis.  In this rotation project, the student will examine the signals that control the induction of apoptosis versus programmed necrosis.  Specifically, the student will examine the role of several TNF receptor signaling molecules such as caspase-8, RIP and TRAF2 in this process.  The students will learn about cell death and TNF receptor biology in this project.   
   
   
3. TNF-induced programmed necrosis in viral infections.
   We have identified several viral proteins termed vFLIPs that are potent inhibitors of TNF-indcued apoptosis and programmed necrosis.  This finding strongly suggests that apoptosis and programmed necrosis play central role in host defense against viral infections.  In this rotation project, the student will examine transgenic mice that express a potent cell death inhibitor for their immune response to viral infections.  The student will learn different immunological techniques and concepts in this rotation project.

Office: S2 -125
Phone: 508-856-1664
Fax: 508-856-1665
E-mail: Francis.Chan@umassmed.edu
Keywords: Immunology, Cell Death, Cancer Biology, Autoimmunity, Viral Infections and Immunity

More on Francis Chan's Research Research | Publications | Rotations | Biography View All Sections on One Page

Postdoctoral Position Available A postdoctoral position is available to study in this laboratory. Contact Dr. Chan for additional details.