Investigators
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Mark Hellmich, PhD
Project: Pancreatic Cancer
Translational Relevance: This project involves the downregulation of tumor suppressor genes in the metastatic spread of pancreatic cancer. Orthotopic and metastatic animal models of pancreatic cancer will be used.
Project: Molecular mechanisms of inflammation-induced pancreatic cancer
Translational Relevance: Pancreatitis is an inflammatory process that has been implicated in the etiology of pancreatic cancer. This project involves the study of peptide hormone receptor-mediated pathways become dysregulated during acute pancreatitis and contribute to pancreatic cancer development.
Project: Role of hydrogen sulfide in colon cancer progression
Translational Relevance: The development of novel therapeutics in the treatment of colon cancer by modulation hydrogen sulfide levels.

Celia Chao, MD
Project: Cancer Associated Fibroblasts in Colorectal and Pancreatic Cancer
Translational Relevance: This study focuses on the pro-tumorigenic functions of fibroblasts isolated from primary colon and pancreatic tumors.
Project: Colon Cancer Stem Cells
Translational Relevance: This study focuses on key paracrine signaling pathways that drive colorectal stem cell growth and progression.