Abstract

Research in my lab has led to new insights about the molecular mechanisms of estrogen signaling and gene expression, and how these processes might be targeted to treat breast cancers.

Issue

Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in women between the ages of 15 and 54. It is estimated that one in eight women will develop breast cancer during her lifetime. In New York State, breast cancer is one of the most common cancers among women. Each year, about 12,000 women in New York are diagnosed with breast cancer, and over 3,500 women die from the disease. Increasing numbers of women are being diagnosed with breast cancer, because the disease is more common at older ages and women are living longer. The underlying causes of breast cancer are genetic, physiological, and environmental. For many women, increased risk is associated with hormonal status, such as the use of exogenous estrogens.

Response

My research in the Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics is focused on understanding the molecular actions of estrogens both under normal physiological conditions and in breast cancers. A unique aspect of our work is the use of assays for recreating the cellular actions of estrogens in vitro (i.e., in a test tube) so that they can be experimentally manipulated.

Over the past five years, we have conducted a number of studies characterizing the detailed molecular actions of estrogens and of synthetic estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) such as tamoxifen and raloxifene, which are used clinically in the treatment of breast cancers. In addition, I have worked closely with the American Cancer Society to explain to stakeholders how funds given to basic researchers are used to generate the fundamental knowledge that is needed for clinical studies and drug development.

Impact

My research in the Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics is focused on understanding the molecular actions of estrogens both under normal physiological conditions and in breast cancers. A unique aspect of our work is the use of assays for recreating the cellular actions of estrogens in vitro (i.e., in a test tube) so that they can be experimentally manipulated.

Over the past five years, we have conducted a number of studies characterizing the detailed molecular actions of estrogens and of synthetic estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) such as tamoxifen and raloxifene, which are used clinically in the treatment of breast cancers. In addition, I have worked closely with the American Cancer Society to explain to stakeholders how funds given to basic researchers are used to generate the fundamental knowledge that is needed for clinical studies and drug development.

Funding Sources

• Private (e.g., commodity groups, foundations, companies)
• Other Federal non-USDA (e.g., NSF, NIH, DOA, DOD)

Key Personnel

• Dr. W. Lee Kraus, Cornell University