Former Trainees

Kyo Chu, M.D.
Medical School: The University of Texas Medical Branch
Mentors: Townsend, CM Jr, Thompson, JC
Research Topic: Age-related changes and effects of diet restriction on GI tract proliferation
Current Position: Assistant Professor, Department of Surgery, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA
Publications:
1. Chu KU, Tsuchiya T, Ishizuka J, Sato K, Uchida T, Townsend CM Jr, Thompson JC. Effects of ileo-jejunal transposition on intestinal mucosa and pancreas. Surg Forum 44:139-141, 1993.
2. Chu KU, Higashide S, Evers BM, Rajaraman S, Ishizuka J, Townsend CM Jr, Thompson JC. Bombesin improves survival from methotrexate-induced enterocolitis. Ann Surg 220:570-577, 1994.
3. Chu KU, Ishizuka J, Townsend CM Jr, Thompson JC. Growth effect of bombesin on normal and neoplastic GI tissue. Surg Forum 45:190-192, 1994.
4. Chu KU, Tsuchiya T, Ishizuka J, Uchida T, Townsend CM Jr, Thompson JC. Trophic response of gut and pancreas after ileojejunal transposition. Ann Surg 221:249-256, 1995.
5. Chu KU, Higashide S, Evers BM, Ishizuka J, Townsend CM Jr, Thompson JC. Bombesin stimulates mucosal growth in jejunal and ileal Thiry-Vella fistulas. Ann Surg 221:602-611, 1995.
6. Chu KU, Evers BM, Ishizuka J, Townsend CM Jr, Thompson JC. Role of bombesin on gut mucosal growth. Ann Surg 222:94-100, 1995.
7. Chu KU, Evers BM, Ishizuka J, Beauchamp RD, Greeley GH Jr, Townsend CM Jr, Thompson JC. Short-term caloric restriction augments age-related decreases in gastrin content and release. Mech Ageing Dev 87:25-33, 1996.
8. Ehrenfried JA, Evers BM, Chu KU, Townsend CM Jr, Thompson JC. Caloric restriction increases the expression of heat shock protein in the gut. Ann Surg 223:592-599, 1996.
9. Chu KU, Ishizuka J, Battey JF, Uchida T, Beauchamp RD, Townsend CM Jr, Thompson JC. Mechanisms of bombesin on the growth of gastrinoma (PT) in vivo. Dig Dis Sci 41:2180-2186, 1996.
10. Higashide S, Chu KU, Gomez G, Greeley GH Jr, Thompson JC, Townsend CM Jr. Caloric restriction causes secretagogue specific changes of gastric acid secretion in rats. Regul Pept 68:205-210, 1997.
Presentations:
1. Surgical Forum (10-15 Oct 1993, San Francisco, CA) - Effect of ileojejunal transposition on intestinal mucosa and pancreas. (oral)
2. American Pancreatic Association (4-5 Nov 1993, Chicago, IL) - Effects of bombesin analog on pancreatic growth of Balb/c nude mice. (poster)
3. Society of University Surgeons (9-12 Feb 1994, Jackson, MS) - Bombesin improves survival from methotrexate-induced enterocolitis. (oral, Residents' Conference)
4. American Surgical Association (7-9 Apr 1994, San Francisco, CA) - Bombesin improves survival in lethal enterocolitis. (oral)
5. American Association for Cancer Research (10-13 Apr 1994, San Francisco, CA) - Effects of bombesin analogs on the growth of human colon cancer. (poster)
6. American Gastroenterological Association (15-18 May 1994. New Orleans. LA) - Effect of caloric restriction on rat pancreas. (poster)
7. Gastrointestinal Hormone 10th Intl Symposium (27-31 Aug 1994, Santa Barbara. CA) - Effect of caloric restriction on gastrin synthesis and gene expression. (poster)
8. Surgical Forum (9-14 Oct 1994, Chicago, IL) - Growth effect of bombesin on normal and neoplastic GI tissue. (oral)
9. American Pancreatic Association (3-4 Nov 1994, Chicago, IL) - Mechanisms of bombesin on the growth of human gastrinoma in vivo. (oral)
10. Southern Surgical (4-7 Dec 1994, Palm Beach, FL) - Hormone regulation of gut mucosal growth. (oral)
Awards:
UTMB Jeane B. Kempner Scholar Award (1994)

Rick Bold, M.D.
Medical School: Stanford University School of Medicine
Mentors: Townsend, CM Jr
Research Topic: GI hormones, receptors and cancer
Current Position: Assistant Professor, Surgical Oncology, University of California, Davis, CA
Publications:
1. Bold RJ, Ishizuka J, Townsend CM Jr, Thompson JC. Secretin potentiates cholecystokinin-stimulated amylase release from pancreatic acinar cells by a pertussis toxin-sensitive mechanism. Surg Forum 44:167-170, 1993.
2. Hirai M, Ishizuka J, Hirai A, Bold RJ, Townsend CM Jr, Thompson JC. Bombesin stimulates intracellular Ca2+ mobilization but not proliferation on human colon cancer cells. Life Sci 53:1859-1865, 1993.
3. Bold RJ, Ishizuka J, Townsend CM Jr, Thompson JC. Biomolecular advances in gastrointestinal hormones. Arch Surg 128:1268-1273, 1993.
4. Ishizuka J, Townsend CM Jr, Bold RJ, Martinez J, Rodriguez M, Thompson JC. Effects of gastrin on 3’,5’-cyclic adenosine monophosphate, intracellular calcium, and phosphatidylinositol hydrolysis in human colon cancer cells. Cancer Res 54:2129-2135, 1994.
5. Ishizuka J, Bold RJ, Townsend CM Jr, Thompson JC. In vitro relationship between magnesium and insulin secretion. Magnes Res 7:17-22, 1994.
6. Bold RJ, Ishizuka J, Townsend CM Jr, Thompson JC. Gastrin stimulates growth of human colon cancer cells via a receptor other than CCK-A or CCK-B. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 202:1222-1226, 1994.
7. Bold RJ, Warren RE, Ishizuka J, Cho-Chung YS, Townsend CM Jr, Thompson JC. Experimental gene therapy of human colon cancer. Surgery 116:189-196, 1994.
8. Bold RJ, Alpard S, Ishizuka J, Townsend CM Jr, Thompson JC. Growth-regulatory effect of gastrin on human colon cancer cell lines is determined by protein kinase a isoform content. Regul Pept 53:61-70, 1994.
9. Yao CZ, Ishizuka J, Bold RJ, Townsend CM Jr, Thompson JC. Cytocidal effect of high energy shock wave on tumour cells enhanced with larger dose and multiple exposures. Surg Oncol 3:229-235, 1994.
10. Bold RJ, Evers BM, Sperling HE, Gomez G, Ishizuka J, Townsend CM Jr, Thompson JC. Gastrointestinal hormone receptors and pancreatic cancer. Intl J Pancreatol 16:240-241, 1994.
11. Bold RJ, Lowry PS, Ishizuka J, Battey JF, Townsend CM Jr, Thompson JC. Bombesin stimulates the in vitro growth of a human gastric cancer cell line. J Cell Physiol 161:519-525, 1994.
12. Gomez G, Padilla LA, Bold RJ, Chen RR, Greeley GH Jr, Townsend CM Jr, Thompson JC. Cholecystokinin (CCK) and secretin stimulate implantation and growth of a human gastric adenocarcinoma. Surg Forum 45:130-132, 1994.
13. Bold RJ, Evers BM, Ishizuka J, Townsend CM Jr, Thompson JC. Functional responses of the endocrine cell line (BON) transfected with the human bombesin receptor. Surg Forum 45:158-160, 1994.
14. Ishizuka J, Bold RJ, Townsend CM Jr,Thompson JC. Role of calcium in the regulation of ornithine decarboxylase enzyme activity in mouse colon cancer cells. Cancer Invest 13:181-187, 1995.
15. Yao CZ, Bold RJ, Ishizuka J, Townsend CM Jr, Thompson JC. Growth of mouse hepatocytes is stimulated by gastrin. J Cell Physiol 163:532-537, 1995.
16. Bold RJ, Ishizuka J, Rajaraman S, Perez-Polo JR, Townsend CM Jr, Thompson JC. Nerve growth factor as a mitogen for a pancreatic carcinoid cell line. J Neurochem 64:2622-2628, 1995.
17. Bold RJ, Ishizuka J, Townsend CM Jr, Thompson JC. Secretin potentiates cholecystokinin-stimulated amylase release by AR4 2J cells via a stimulation of phospholipase C. J Cell Physiol 165:172-176, 1995.
18. Bold RJ, Ishizuka J, Townsend CM Jr, Thompson JC. All-trans-retinoic acid inhibits growth of a human pancreatic cancer cell line. Pancreas 12:189-195, 1996.
19. Yao CZ, Ishizuka J, Bold RJ, Sperling HE, Townsend CM Jr, Thompson JC. Human monoclonal antibody against colon cancer. Cancer Invest 14:211-217, 1996.
20. Hirai A, Bold RJ, Ishizuka J, Hirai M, Townsend CM Jr, Thompson JC. Hyperphosphorylation of retinoblastoma protein and stimulation of growth by okadaic acid in human pancreatic cancer. Dig Dis Sci 41:1975-1980, 1996.
21. Hirai A, Bold RJ, Ishizuka J, Hirai M, Townsend CM Jr, Thompson JC. Hyperphosphorylation of retinoblastoma protein and stimulation of growth by okadaic acid in human pancreatic cancer. Dig Dis Sci 41:1975-1980, 1996.
22. Bold RJ, Ishizuka J, Townsend CM Jr. Progress toward hormonal therapy of gastrointestinal cancer. Ann Surg 223:4-11, 1996.
23. Bold RJ, Kim HJ, Ishizuka J, Townsend CM Jr, Thompson JC. A human gastric cancer cell line possesses a functional receptor for gastrin-releasing peptide. Cancer Invest 16:12-17, 1998.
24. Bold RJ, Ishizuka J, Yao CZ, Townsend CM Jr, Thompson JC. Bombesin stimulates in vitro growth of human breast cancer independent of estrogen receptors status. Anticancer Res 18:4051-4056, 1998.
25. Bold RJ, Evers BM, Sperling HE, Gomez G, Ishizuka J, Townsend CM Jr, Thompson JC. Gastrointestinal hormone receptors and pancreatic cancer. Intl J Pancreatol 16:240-241, 1994.
26. Yao CZ, Ishizuka J, Bold RJ, Sperling HE, Townsend CM Jr, Thompson JC. Human monoclonal antibody against colon cancer. Cancer Invest 14:211-217, 1996.
Presentations:
1. Society for Surgery of the Alimentary Tract (17-19 May 1993, Boston, MA) - Retinoic acid inhibits growth of a human pancreatic carcinoid. (poster)
2. American Association for Cancer Research (19-22 May 1993, Orlando, FL) - Retina conditioned media induces a morphologic alteration in a human pancreatic carcinoid cell line in vitro. (poster)
3. Surgical Forum (10-15 Oct 1993, San Francisco, CA) - Secretin potentiates cholecystokinin-stimulated amylase release from pancreatic acinar cells by a pertussis toxin-sensitive mechanism. (oral)
4. American Pancreatic Association (4-5 Nov 1993, Chicago, IL) - Nerve growth factor is a mitogen for a human pancreatic carcinoid cell line. (oral)
5. Society of University Surgeons (9-12 Feb 1994, Jackson, MI) - Experimental gene therapy of human colon cancer. (oral)
6. American Association for Cancer Research (10-13 Apr 1994, San Francisco, CA) - Gastrin stimulates growth of a human colon cancer cell line via a receptor other than CCK-A and CCK-B type. (poster)
7. American Gastroenterological Association (15-18 May 1994, New Orleans, LA) - Receptor-specific growth regulatory mechanisms of bombesin (BBS) in human stomach cancer. (poster)
8. Surgical Forum (9-14 Oct 1994, Chicago, IL) - Functional responses of the endocrine cell line (BON) transfected with the human bombesin receptor. (oral)

H.J. Kim, M.D.
Medical School: University of Virginia School of Medicine
Mentors: Townsend, CM, Jr, Evers, BM
Research Topic: Cellular mechanisms involved in gastrin- and bombesin-mediated growth of human cancer cells
Current Position: Assistant Professor, Department of Surgery, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC
Publications:
1. Kim HJ, Evers BM, Guo Y, Banker NA, Hellmich MR, Townsend CM Jr. Bombesin-mediated AP 1 activation in a human gastric cancer (SIIA). Surgery 120:130-137, 1996
2. Iwase K, Evers BM, Hellmich MR, Kim HJ, Higashide S, Gully D, Thompson JC, Townsend CM Jr. Inhibition of neurotensin-induced pancreatic carcinoma growth by a nonpeptide neurotensin receptor antagonist, SR48692. Cancer 79:1787-1793, 1997.
3. Kim HJ, Evers BM, Banker NA, Hellmich MR, Townsend CM Jr. A functional in vitro model to examine signaling mechanisms in gastrin-mediated human cell growth. J Gastrointestinal Surg 1:69-77, 1997.
4. Iwase K, Evers BM, Hellmich MR, Kim HJ, Higashide S, Gully D, Townsend CM Jr. Indirect inhibitory effect of a neurotensin receptor antagonist on human colon cancer (LoVo) growth. Surg Oncol 5:245-251, 1996.
5. Iwase K, Evers BM, Hellmich MR, Kim HJ, Higashide S, Gully D, Townsend CM Jr. Indirect inhibitory effect of a neurotensin receptor antagonist on human colon cancer (LoVo) growth. Surg Oncol 5:245-251, 1996.
6. Banker NA, Evers BM, Kim HJ, Hellmich MR, Townsend CM Jr. c-Src kinase activity is elevated in human gastric cancer. Surg Forum 48:828-830, 1997.
7. Bold RJ, Kim HJ, Ishizuka J, Townsend CM Jr, Thompson JC. A human gastric cancer cell line possesses a functional receptor for gastrin-releasing peptide. Cancer Invest 16:12-17, 1998.
8. Kim HJ, Evers BM, Banker NA, Greeley GH Jr, Hellmich MR, Thompson JC, Townsend CM Jr. Novel expression and regulation of gastrin gene in human ovarian cancer cell line, SW626. Dig Dis Sci 43:1465-1473, 1998.
9. Kim HJ, Evers BM, Litvak DA, Hellmich MR, Townsend CM Jr. Signaling mechanisms regulating bombesin-mediated AP-1 gene induction in the human gastric cancer SIIA. Am J Physiol 279:C326-C334, 2000.
Presentations:
1. Association for Academic Surgery (8-11 Nov 1995, Dearborn, MI) - Novel expression of gut peptides and receptors in ovarian cancer. (oral)
2. Society of University Surgeons (8-10 Feb 1996, Washington, DC) - Cellular mechanisms in bombesin-mediated regulation of AP-1 gene expression. (oral)
3. Society for Surgery of the Alimentary Tract (19-22 May 1996, San Francisco, CA) - Signal transduction mechanisms in gastrin regulation of human cell growth. (oral and poster)
Awards:
Society for Surgery of the Alimentary Tract Ross Laboratories Resident Research Award (1996)
Singleton Surgical Society Resident Research Award (1996)

David Litvak, M.D.
Medical School: University of Chicago, Pritzker School of Medicine
Mentors: Townsend, CM, Jr, Evers, BM
Research Topic: Effects of gut hormones on mucosal adaptation and growth
Current Position: Assistant Professor, Department of Surgery, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI
Publications:
1. Litvak DA, Hellmich MR, Evers BM, Banker NA, Uchida T, Townsend CM Jr. Glucagon-like peptide 2: a potent intestinal growth factor. Gastroenterology 112:A1455 1997.
2. Litvak DA, Hellmich MR, Evers BM, Banker NA, Townsend CM Jr. Glucagon-like peptide 2 is a potent growth factor for small intestine and colon. J Gastrointest Surg 2:146-150, 1998.
3. Litvak DA, Papaconstantinou HT, Ko TC, Townsend CM Jr. A novel cytotoxic agent for human carcinoid tumors. Surgery 124:1071-1076, 1998.
4. Litvak DA, Iseki H, Evers BM, Greeley GH Jr, Hellmich MR, Iwase K, Balasubramaniam A, Townsend CM Jr. Characterization of two novel proabsorptive peptide YY analogs, BIM-43073D and BIM 43004C. Dig Dis Sci 44:643-648, 1999.
5. Litvak DA, Papaconstantinou HT, Townsend CM Jr, Evers BM. Targeting molecular pathways as novel therapy for gastric cancer. Gastroenterology 116:A1330, 1999 (A).
6. Litvak DA, Hellmich MR, Iwase K, Evers BM, Martinez J, Amblard M, Townsend CM Jr. JMV1155: a novel inhibitor of glycine-extended progastrin-mediated growth of a human colon cancer in vivo. Anticancer Res 19:45-50, 1999.
7. Litvak DA. Angiogenesis and GI cancer. In: BM Evers (ed). Molecular Mechanisms in Gastrointestinal Cancer. R.G. Landes Company: Austin, 1999, pp. 95-109.
8. Litvak DA, Evers BM, Hellmich MR, Townsend CM Jr. Enterotrophic effects of glucagon-like peptide 2 are enhanced by neurotensin. J Gastrointest Surg 3:432-440, 1999.
9. Litvak DA, Papaconstantinou HT, Hwang KO, Kim M, Evers BM, Townsend CM Jr. Inhibition of gastric cancer by camptothecin involves apoptosis and multiple cellular pathways. Surgery 126:223-230, 1999.
10. Litvak DA, Papaconstantinou HT, Evers BM, Townsend CM Jr. Targeting molecular pathways with camptothecin as novel therapy for gastric cancer. J Gastrointest Surg 3:618-624, 1999.
11. Litvak DA, Papaconstantinou HT, Hwang KO, Kim M, Evers BM, Townsend CM Jr. Inhibition of gastric cancer by camptothecin involves apoptosis and multiple cellular pathways. Surgery 126:223-230, 1999.
12. Litvak DA, Papaconstantinou HT, Evers BM, Townsend CM Jr. Targeting molecular pathways with camptothecin as novel therapy for gastric cancer. J Gastrointest Surg 3:618-624, 1999.
13. Litvak DA, Hwang KO, Evers BM, Townsend CM Jr. Induction of apoptosis in human gastric cancer by sodium butyrate. Anticancer Res 20:779-784, 2000.
14. Shin CE, Falcone RA Jr, Kemp CJ, Erwin CR, Litvak DA, Evers BM, Warner BW. Intestinal adaptation and enterocyte apoptosis following small bowel resection is p53 independent. Am J Physiol 277:G717-G724, 1999.
15. Kim HJ, Evers BM, Litvak DA, Hellmich MR, Townsend CM Jr. Signaling mechanisms regulating bombesin-mediated AP-1 gene induction in the human gastric cancer SIIA. Am J Physiol 279:C326-C334, 2000
Presentations:
1. Society for Surgery of the Alimentary Tract (11-14 May 1997, Washington, DC) - Glucagon-like peptide 2: a potent intestinal growth factor. (oral)
2. Surgical Forum (October 1997, Chicago, IL) - Neurotensin augments glucagon-like peptide-2-induced intestinal growth. (oral and manuscript).
3. Association of Academic Surgeons (November 1997, Dallas TX) - Identification of a potent reabsorptive PYY analog (oral and manuscript).
4. Society of University Surgeons (February 1998, Milwaukee, WI) - Gut differentiation is associated with apoptosis and early induction of p21WAF1/Cip1 (oral and manuscript).
5. Society of Surgical Oncology (March 1998, San Diego, CA) - JMV1155: a novel inhibitor of progastrin-mediated growth of a human colon cancer (poster).
6. American Association of Endocrine Surgeons (April, 1998, Orlando, FL) - A novel cytotoxic agent for human carcinoid. (oral and manuscript).
7. Society for Surgery of the Alimentary Tract (May 1998, New Orleans, LA) - The enterotrophic effects of glucagon-like peptide 2 are enhanced by neurotensin (oral).
8. Association of Academic Surgeons (November 1998, Seattle, WA) - Sodium butyrate induces apoptosis and p21WAF1/Cip1 in the gastric cancer SIIA (oral).
9. Society of University Surgeons (February 1999, New Orleans, LA) - Inhibition of gastric cancer by camptothecin involves apoptosis and multiple cellular pathways (oral).
10. Society for Surgery of the Alimentary Tract (May 1999 Orlando, FL) - Targeting molecular pathways as novel therapy for gastric cancer (oral)


Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D.
Medical School: The University of Texas Medical Branch
Mentors: Townsend, CM, Jr, Evers, BM
Research Topic: Examining the role of TRAIL-mediated immune-escape in colorectal carcinoma
Current Position: Private Practice, McAllen, TX
Publications:
1. Hernandez A, Evers BM. Novel molecular mechanisms contributing to colon cancer survival. Surg Forum 50:336-338, 1999.
2. Hernandez A, Evers BM. Functional genomics. Clinical effect and the evolving role of the surgeon. Arch Surg 134:1209-1215, 1999.
3. Ehlers RA, Hernandez A, Bloemendal LS, Ethridge RT, Farrow B, Evers BM. Mitochondrial DNA damage and altered membrane potential in pancreatic acinar cells induced by reactive oxygen species. Surgery 126:148-155, 1999.
4. Hernandez A, Evers BM. Novel molecular mechanisms contributing to colon cancer survival. Surg Forum 50:336-338, 1999.
5. Hernandez A, Evers BM. Functional genomics. Clinical effect and the evolving role of the surgeon. Arch Surg 134:1209-1215, 1999.
6. Hernandez A, Schwartz SA, Wang Q, Evers BM. Sensitization of human colon cancer cells to Trail-mediated apoptosis. Gastroenterology 118:A1025, 2000 (A)
7. Hernandez A, Wang Q, Evers BM. Trail-mediated immune escape by colon cancers. Gastroenterology 118:A533, 2000. (A)
8. Wang Q, Kim M, Li N, Hernandez A, Evers BM. Inhibition of P13-K enhances apoptosis of human colon cancer cells treated with sodium butyrate. Gastroenterology 118:A527, 2000. (A)
9. Wang Q, Wang X, Hernandez A, Evers BM. Induction of Trail in HT29 colon cancer cells by P13-K inhibition. Gastroenterology 118:A542, 2000. (A)
10. Hernandez A, Smith F, Wang Q, Wang X, Evers BM. Assessment of differential gene expression patterns in human colon cancers. Ann Surg 232:576-585, 2000.
11. Hernandez A, Wang QD, Wang X, Gatalica Z, Evers BM. Intestinal cell differentiation is associated with increased TRAIL expression. Surg Forum 51:56-57, 2000.
12. Hernandez A, Thomas R, Smith F, Sandberg J, Kim S, Chung DH, Evers BM. Butyrate sensitizes human colon cancer cells to TRAIL-mediated apoptosis. Surgery 130:265-272, 2001.
Presentations:
1. Surgical Forum (October 1999, San Francisco, CA) - Novel molecular mechanisms contributing to colon cancer survival (oral).
2. Society of University Surgeons Resident’s Program (February 2000, Toronto, Canada) - Trail-mediated immune escape by colon cancers (oral).
3. American Surgical Association ( Philadelphia, PA April 2000) - cDNA microarrays demonstrate differential gene expression patterns in colon cancers of varying metastatic potential (oral and manuscript).
4. American Gastroenterological Association (San Diego, CA, May 2000) - Trail-mediated immune escape by colon cancers (poster).
5. Society for Surgery of the Alimentary Tract (San Diego, CA, May 2000) - Sensitization of human colon cancer cells to TRAIL-mediated apoptosis (poster).
6. Surgical Forum (October 2000, Chicago, IL) - Intestinal cell differentiation is associated with increased TRAIL expression (oral).
7. Society of University Surgeons (February 2001, Chicago, IL) - Butyrate sensitizes human colon cancer cells to TRAIL-medicated apoptosis (oral).

Sunghoon Kim, M.D.
Medical School: University of California at Davis
Mentors: Townsend, CM, Jr, Evers, BM
Research Topic: PI3K/PTEN signaling pathway and intestinal cell differentiation
Current Position: Pediatric Surgery Fellowship, University of Washington, St. Louis, MO
Publications:
1. Kim S, Murillo C, Wang Q, Domon-Dell C, Freund J-N, Evers BM. The homeobox gene CDX-2 is upregulated in HT-29 cells by P13-kinase inhibition. Gastroenterology 118:A820, 2000. (A)
2. Ehlers RA, Kim S, Zhang Y, Ethridge RT, Murrilo C, Hellmich MR, Evans DB, Townsend CM, Jr, Evers BM. Gut peptide receptor expression in human pancreatic cancers. Ann Surg 231:838-848, 2000.
3. Kim S, Chung DH, Escalon J, Hsieh J, Hellmich MR, Evers BM. Expression and functional regulation of the gastrin-releasing peptide receptor in the neuroblastoma cell line IMR-32. Surg Forum 51:532-534, 2000.
4. Wang Q, Kim S, Wang X, Evers BM. Activation of NF-kappaB binding in HT-29 colon cancer cells by inhibition of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 273:853-858, 2000.
5. Wang Q, Wang X, Kim S, Evers BM. Induction of TRAIL expression in fetal intestinal cells associated with PI3-kinase inhibition and differentiation. Gastroenterology 120:A104, 2001. (A)
6. Kim S, Domon-Dell C, Wang Q, Chung DH, Freund J-N, Evers BM. The PI3K/glycogen synthase kinase 3 pathway regulates nuclear translocation of the Cdx-2 transcription factor in colon cancer cells. Gastroenterology 120:A500, 2001. (A)
7. Wang Q, Wang X, Hernandez A, Kim S, Evers BM. Inhibition of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase pathway contributes to HT29 and Caco-2 intestinal cell differentiation. Gastroenterology 120:1381-1392, 2001
8. Chung DH, Ethridge RT, Kim S, Owens-Stovall S, Hernandez A, Kelly DR, Evers BM. Molecular mechanisms contributing to necrotizing enterocolitis. Ann Surg 233:835-842, 2001.
9. Hashimoto K, Ethridge RT, Kim S, Thomas RP, Evers BM. 15-Deoxy-delta 12,14-prostaglandin J2 (15d-PGJ2) inhibits human pancreatic cancer cell invasion and release of matrix metalloproteinases. Surg Forum 52:217-218, 2001.
10. Chung DH, Owens-Stovall S, Kim S, Ethridge RT, Hashimoto K, Thomas RP, Evers BM. Inhibition of NF-kappaB by peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma agonist in necrotizing enterocolitis. Surg Forum 52:499-501, 2001.
11. Domon-Dell C, Wang Q, Kim S, Kedinger M, Evers BM, Freund JN. Stimulation of the intestinal Cdx2 homeobox gene by butyrate in colon cancer cells. Gut 50:525-529, 2002.
12. Kim S, Hu W, Thomas RP, Evers BM, Chung DH. Interferon-gamma induces caspase-8 in neuroblastoma cells: death receptor mediated apoptosis is dependent on caspase-8 and concomitant prevention of NF kappa B activation. Proc Am Assoc Cancer Res 43:705, 2002. (A)
13. Kim S, Hu W, Thomas RP, Evers BM, Chung DH. Geldanamycin induces apoptosis in neuroblastomas by reducing Raf-1 and Akt. Proc Am Assoc Cancer Res 43:891, 2002. (A)
14. Thomas RP, Farrow BJ, Kim S, Wang Q, Wang X, Evers BM. Butyrate sensitizes human pancreatic cancer cell to TRAIL-mediated apoptosis through TRAIL-receptor upregulation. Proc Am Assoc Cancer Res 43:702, 2002. (A)
15. Kim S, Kang J, Kelly DR, Hellmich MR, Evers BM, Chung DH. Mitogenic actions of gastrin-releasing peptide in neuroblastomas. Regul Pept 108:22, 2002. (A)
16. Thomas RP, Kim S, Wang Q-D, Evers BM. Gene expression profile analysis of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase pathway in the developing small intestine. J Am Coll Surg 195 (suppl):S11, 2002. (A)
17. Kim S, Thomas RP, Kang J, Evers BM, Chung DH. PI3-kinase inhibition increases TRAIL-induced apoptosis in neuroblastoma. J Am Coll Surg 195 (suppl):S42, 2002. (A)
18. Kim S, Domon-Dell C, Wang Q, Chung DH, Di Cristofano A, Pandolfi PP, Freund JN, Evers BM. PTEN and TNF-alpha regulation of the intestinal-specific Cdx-2 homeobox gene through a PI3K, PKB/Akt, and NF-kappa B-dependent pathway. Gastroenterology 123:1163-1178, 2002.
19. Thomas RP, Farrow BJ, Kim S, May MJ, Hellmich MR, Evers BM. Selective targeting of the nuclear factor-kappaB pathway enhances tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand-mediated pancreatic cancer cell death. Surgery 132:127-134, 2002.
20. Kim S, Hu W, Kelly DR, Hellmich MR, Evers BM, Chung DH. Gastrin-releasing peptide is a growth factor for human neuroblastomas. Ann Surg 235:621-630, 2002.
21. Murillo CA, Owens-Stovall SK, Kim S, Thomas RP, Chung DH. Delayed cardiac tamponade after blunt chest trauma in a child. J Trauma 52:573-575, 2002.
22. Kim S, Kang J, Qiao J, Kamal A, Burrows FJ, Evers BM, Chung DH. Heat shock protein 90 inhibitors reduce neuroblastoma growth in vivo. Proc Am Assoc Cancer Res 44:178, 2003. (A)
23. Qiao J, Kim S, Kang J, Evers BM, Chung DH. Negative regulation of transforming growth factor-beta/SMAD by phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase pathway in neuroblastomas. J Am Coll Surg 197(suppl):S50, 2003. (A)
24. Kim S. Molecular biology of aging. Arch Surg 138:1051-1054, 2003.
25. Kim S, Kang J, Hu W, Evers BM, Chung DH. Geldanamycin decreases Raf-1 and Akt levels and induces apoptosis in neuroblastomas. Int J Cancer 103:352-359, 2003.
26. Kim S, Domon-Dell C, Kang J, Chung DH, Freund JN, Evers BM. Down-regulation of the tumor suppressor PTEN by the tumor necrosis factor-alpha/nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB)-inducing kinase/NF-kappaB pathway is linked to a default IkappaB-alpha autoregulatory loop. J Biol Chem 279:4285-4291, 2004.
27. Qiao J, Cree J, Kang J, Kim S, Evers BM, Chung DH. Ets transcriptional regulation of gastrin-releasing peptide receptor in neuroblastomas. Surgery 136:489-494, 2004.
28. Kim S, Kang J, Qiao J, Thomas RP, Evers BM, Chung DH. Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase inhibition down-regulates survivin and facilitates TRAIL-mediated apoptosis in neuroblastomas. J Pediatr Surg 39:516-521, 2004.
29. Kim S, Kang J, Evers BM, Chung DH. Interferon-gamma induces caspase-8 in neuroblastomas without affecting methylation of caspase-8 promoter. J Pediatr Surg 39:509-515, 2004.

Presentations:
1. American Gastroenterological Association (San Diego, CA, May 2000) - The homeobox gene Cdx-2 is up-regulated I HT-29 cells by P13-kinase inhibition (poster).
2. Surgical Forum (October 2000, Chicago, IL) - Expression and functional regulation of the gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP) receptor in the neuroblastoma cell line IMR-32 (oral).
3. Society of University Surgeons (February 2001, Chicago, IL) - Differential expression of the PTEN tumor suppressor gene in the colon and regulation by P13K/Akt pathway (oral).
4. American Association for Cancer Research (March 2001, New Orleans, LA) - Transcriptional regulation of human neurotensin receptor by P13-kinase in human neuroblastoma (poster).
5. Surgical Forum ( American College of Surgeons, October 7-12, 2001, New Orleans LA) Thomas RP, Evers, BM. Alteration of oxidant/antioxidant gene expression patterns in the small bowel with age. (oral).
6. American Gastroenterological Association (May 2001, Atlanta, GA) - The PI3/glycogen synthase kinase 3 pathway regulates nuclear translocation of the Cdx-2 transcription factor in colon cancer cells (poster).
7. American Association for Cancer Research (May 2002, San Francisco, CA) - Interferon-gamma induces caspase-8 in neuroblastoma cells: death receptor mediated apoptosis is dependent on caspase-8 and concomitant prevention of NF-kappaB activation (poster).
Awards:
The Texas Gulf Coast Digestive Diseases Center Pilot/Feasibility Award (2001-2002)

Robert Thomas, M.D.
Medical School: The University of Texas Medical Branch
Mentors: Townsend, CM, Jr, Evers, BM
Research Topic: Alterations of gene expression and function in the GI tract with aging
Current Position: Pediatric Surgery Fellowship, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI
Publications:
1. Thomas RP, Evers BM. The molecular biology of gastrointestinal neoplasia. New Surgery 1:10-16, 2001.
Wang Q, Thomas R, Li N, Wang X, Evers BM. Gene array analysis of the expression profile associated with intestinal cell differentiation. Gastroenterology 120:A88, 2001. (A)
2. Thomas R, Evers BM. Effects of aging on gene expression patterns in the liver. Gastroenterology 120:A90, 2001. (A)
3. Thomas RP, Evers BM. Alteration of oxidant/antioxidant gene expression patterns in rat small bowel with age. Surg Forum 52:15-16, 2001.
4. Hashimoto K, Ethridge RT, Kim S, Thomas RP, Evers BM. 15-Deoxy-delta 12,14-prostaglandin J2 (15d-PGJ2) inhibits human pancreatic cancer cell invasion and release of matrix metalloproteinases. Surg Forum 52:217-218, 2001.
5. Thomas RP, Hunter GC. Protein kinase C modulates H2O2-induced caspase-3-like activity in rat aortic smooth muscle cells. Surg Forum 52:390-393, 2001.
6. Chung DH, Owens-Stovall S, Kim S, Ethridge RT, Hashimoto K, Thomas RP, Evers BM. Inhibition of NF-kappaB by peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma agonist in necrotizing enterocolitis. Surg Forum 52:499-501, 2001
7. Kim S, Hu W, Thomas RP, Evers BM, Chung DH. Interferon-gamma induces caspase-8 in neuroblastoma cells: death receptor mediated apoptosis is dependent on caspase-8 and concomitant prevention of NF kappaB activation. Proc Am Assoc Cancer Res 43:705, 2002. (A)
8. Kim S, Hu W, Thomas RP, Evers BM, Chung DH. Geldanamycin induces apoptosis in neuroblastomas by reducing Raf-1 and Akt. Proc Am Assoc Cancer Res 43:891, 2002. (A)
9. Thomas RP, Farrow BJ, Kim S, Wang Q, Wang X, Evers BM. Butyrate sensitizes human pancreatic cancer cell to TRAIL-mediated apoptosis through TRAIL-receptor upregulation. Proc Am Assoc Cancer Res 43:702, 2002. (A)
10. Wang Q, Wang X, Thomas RP, Walker SL, Hellmich MR, Evers BM. Phorbol ester-induced cIAP2 expression in human colon cancer cells is dependent on the novel protein kinase C-delta. Proc Am Assoc Cancer Res 43:530, 2002. (A)
11. Wang X-F, Wang Q, Thomas RP, Evers BM. PKC-mediated induction of TRAF1 in human colon cancer cells is dependent on K-ras activation. Proc Am Assoc Cancer Res 43:107, 2002. (A)
12. Wang Q-D, Wang X-F, Thomas RP, Walker SL, Evers BM. Inhibition of GSK-3beta attenuates sodium butyrate-mediated differentiation and apoptosis in the HT29 colon cancer cells. Gastroenterology 122:A132, 2002. (A)
13. Wang X-F, Wang Q-D, Hu W-Q, Thomas RP, Evers BM. Phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate upregulates expression of proapoptotic genes and increases the sensitivity of Panc-1 cells to TRAIL. Gastroenterology 122:A242, 2002. (A)
14. Thomas RP, Smith FW, Evers BM. Effect of aging on the adaptive and proliferative capacity of the small bowel. Gastroenterology 123 (suppl):20, 2002. (A)
15. Thomas RP, Kim S, Wang Q-D, Evers BM. Gene expression profile analysis of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase pathway in the developing small intestine. J Am Coll Surg 195 (suppl):S11, 2002. (A)
16. Kim S, Thomas RP, Kang J, Evers BM, Chung DH. PI3-kinase inhibition increases TRAIL-induced apoptosis in neuroblastoma. J Am Coll Surg 195 (suppl):S42, 2002. (A)
17. Hernandez A, Thomas R, Smith F, Sandberg J, Kim S, Chung DH, Evers BM. Butyrate sensitizes human colon cancer cells to TRAIL-mediated apoptosis. Surgery 130:265-272, 2001.
18. Farrow B, Thomas RP, Wang XF, Evers BM. Activation of conventional PKC isoforms increases expression of the pro-apoptotic protein Bad and TRAIL receptors. Int J Gastrointest Cancer 32:63-72, 2002.
19. Thomas RP, Farrow BJ, Kim S, May MJ, Hellmich MR, Evers BM. Selective targeting of the nuclear factor-kappaB pathway enhances tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand-mediated pancreatic cancer cell death. Surgery 132:127-134, 2002.
20. Hu M, Woodside KJ, Thomas RP, Meng T, Cooper CW, Sower LE, Hunter GC, Daller JA. Altered PTHrP expression during cold storage with thymoglobulin. Transplant Proc 34:1629-1631, 2002.
21. Thomas RP, Guigneaux M, Wood T, Evers BM. Age-associated changes in gene expression patterns in the liver. J Gastrointest Surg 6:445-454, 2002.
22. Murillo CA, Owens-Stovall SK, Kim S, Thomas RP, Chung DH. Delayed cardiac tamponade after blunt chest trauma in a child. J Trauma 52:573-575, 2002.
23. Thomas RP, Hellmich MR, Townsend CM, Jr., Evers BM. Role of gastrointestinal hormones in the proliferation of normal and neoplastic tissues. Endocr Rev 24:571-599, 2003.
24. Thomas RP, Rajaraman S, Evers BM. Effect of ileocolonic transposition on gut morphology, gene expression, and function. J Surg Res 109:31-36, 2003.
25. Thomas RP, Slogoff M, Smith FW, Evers BM. Effect of aging on the adaptive and proliferative capacity of the small bowel. J Gastrointest Surg 7:88-95, 2003.
26. Kim S, Kang J, Qiao J, Thomas RP, Evers BM, Chung DH. Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase inhibition down-regulates survivin and facilitates TRAIL-mediated apoptosis in neuroblastomas. J Pediatr Surg 39:516-521, 2004.
27. Evers BM, Thomas RP. Tropic effects of gut hormones in the gastrointestinal tract. Chapter 337. Handbook in Cell Signaling, Volume 3. In: RA Bradshaw, EA Dennis (eds). Academic Press: San Diego, CA, 2004, p 477-484.

Presentations:
1. Surgical Forum (7-12 October 2001, New Orleans, LA) - Alteration of oxidant/antioxidant gene expression patterns in rat small bowel with age (oral).
2. Society for the Surgery of the Alimentary Tract (May 2001, Atlanta, GA) - Effects of aging on gene expression patterns in the liver (oral).
3. Society of University Surgeons (February 2002, Honolulu, HI) - Selective targeting of the NF-kappaB pathway enhances TRAIL-mediated pancreatic cancer cell death. (oral and manuscript).
4. American Association for Cancer Research (April 2002, San Francisco, CA) - Butyrate sensitizes human pancreatic cancer cell to TRAIL-mediated apoptosis through TRAIL-receptor upregulation (poster).
5. Society for the Surgery of the Alimentary Tract (May 2002, San Francisco, CA) - Effect of aging on the adaptive and proliferative capacity of the small bowel (poster).
Awards:
Singleton Surgical Society Resident Research Award (2001)

Michele Slogoff, M.D.
Medical School: The University of Texas Medical Branch
Mentors: Townsend, CM, Jr, Evers, BM
Research Topic: Neurotensin-mediated signaling pathways and physiologic role of neurotensin in the gut
Current Position: Assistant Professor, Department of Surgery, Loyola University, Chicago, IL
Publications:
1. Slogoff M, Walker SL, Hellmich MR, Evers BM. Induction of nuclear factor kappa-B activation in colon cancer cells by neurotensin. J Am Coll Surg 195 (suppl):S13, 2002. (A)
2. Slogoff MI, Li FZ, Cao Y, Guo Y, Hellmich MR, Townsend CM Jr, Ko TC. Bombesin potentiates transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta)-mediated cell death in intestinal epithelial cells. J Surg Res 107:293, 2002. (A)
3. Ethridge RT, Chung DH, Slogoff M, Ehlers RA, Hellmich MR, Rajaraman S, Saito H, Uchida T, Evers BM. Cyclooxygenase-2 gene disruption attenuates the severity of acute pancreatitis and pancreatitis-associated lung injury. Gastroenterology 123:1311-1322, 2002.
4. Ethridge RT, Slogoff MI, Chung DH, Evers BM. COX-2 gene disruption results in the attenuation of NF-kappa-B activity. Gastroenterology 124:A 501, 2003. (A)
5. Slogoff MI, Ethridge RT, Walker SL, Evers BM. Alteration of cytokine expression and release associated with COX-2 inhibition in acute pancreatitis. Gastroenterology 124:A 804, 2003. (A)
6. Thomas RP, Slogoff M, Smith FW, Evers BM. Effect of aging on the adaptive and proliferative capacity of the small bowel. J Gastrointest Surg 7:88-95, 2003.
7. Slogoff M, Evers BM. Neurotensin. In: Henry HL, Norman AW, et al (eds). Encyclopedia of Hormones, vol. 3. Academic Press: San Diego, 2003, pp. 45-53.
8. Slogoff MI, Ethridge RT, Rajaraman S, Evers BM. COX-2 inhibition results in alterations in nuclear factor (NF)-kappa-B activation but not cytokine production in acute pancreatitis. J Gastrointest Surg 8:511-519, 2004.

Awards:
Jeane B. Kempner Scholars Award (07/012002 - 06/30/2003)