The Department of Oncological Sciences aims to achieve a molecular understanding of the cellular processes and signaling pathways involved in the initiation and progression of human cancers, as well as insights into molecular targets for innovative therapeutics.

Our current research themes encompass signaling pathways involved in cancer; oncogenes and tumor-suppressor genes; cell cycle regulation, tumor invasion and metastasis; regulation of protein stability; tumor microenvironment (including inflammation, angiogenesis, and lymphangiogenesis); cancer immunology; and novel cancer therapeutics and resistance mechanisms.

Within these themes, topics include:

• Receptor and cytoplasmic regulatory pathways, including tyrosine kinase receptors, G proteins, Wnt ligands, cytokines, interleukin, interferon, and TGF beta
• Oncogenes and tumor-suppressor genes with implications for cell cycle regulation, apoptosis, growth arrest, and senescence
• Cell adhesion, including catenins and cadherins and altered signaling in metastasis
• Regulation of protein stability, including research on the role of bTRCP and its components in the regulation of b-catenin, IkB stability, and Hlf1, and the regulation and functional significance of protein sumoylation
• Structural and macromolecular interactions in signaling pathways using X-ray crystallography and nuclear magnetic resonance technology

Through our research efforts, the Department of Oncological Sciences works to minimize the impact of cancer and advance patient outcomes within and beyond the Mount Sinai Health System.