Medical Student Research Fellowship for Summer 2006

Mentor: Dr. Sergio Huerta
Department: GI Endocrine Surgery
Room number: Bldg 3, Rm 020 Dallas VA Medical Center
Mail Code: Research (151),
4500 S Lancaster Rd
Dallas, TX 75216
Phone number: 214-857-1800
E-mail: Sergio.huerta2@med.va.gov
Project title: YY1 and NFkB as predictors of Tumor recurrence in Colorectal Cancer

Human subjects IRB approved project number (where applicable): 05-103

Animal subjects IRB approved project number (where applicable):

Project Type (patient-based research, animal-based research, or basic research; this characterization is only to permit a general classification for grouping similar types of projects) : Basic Science

Brief Description of Project:

Programmed cell death has rapidly emerged as a potential target for cancer treatment at various stages of tumor progression. Abnormal levels of transcription factors Ying-Yang 1 (YY1) and NF B result in resistance to Fas and TRAIL-mediated apoptosis in prostate cancer. Additionally, recent work has demonstrated that increased levels of YY1 in tumors predicted relapse in patients with prostate cancer independent of clinical presentation and PSA levels. Both YY1 and NF B are markedly increased in metastatic colon cancer cells. Thus, YY1 may be an ideal marker for stage II recurrence. We will be analyzing tissue collected from patients for transcription expression and protein levels. We will also be inhibiting expression of different protein in cell line models in hopes of affecting apoptosis. The student will assist with basic laboratory experiments, possibly including but not limited to: western blots, RT-PCR, immunocytochemistry, and flow cytometry.

Previous Research Activities or Publications with Medical Students:

1. Livingston EH, Huerta S, Arthur D, Lee S, De Shields S, Heber D. Male gender is a predictor of morbidity and age a predictor of mortality for patients undergoing gastric bypass surgery. Ann Surg 2002; 236:576-582.
2. Barleben A, *Huerta S, Mendoza R, Patel CV. Left Ventricle Injury with a Normal Pericardial Window: Case Report and Review of the Literature. Journal of Trauma. In Press.

3. *Huerta S, Barleben A, Peck MA, Gordon IL. Perforated Meckel's Diverticulum Complicating Pregnancy. Current Surgery. In Press.

4. Siddiqui A, Heinzerling J, Livingston EH, Huerta S. Predictors of early mortality in patients with advanced pancreatic cancer. Submitted to The Society of VA Surgeons. Jan. 2006.

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