Cloning New Genes Research
Dr. Phillip Koeffler's research team uses computers, data banks and gene libraries to rapidly clone novel and interesting genes.
Using this approach, researchers have recently isolated a gene important in the cell cycle (cyclin A1) and a protein processing gene (TRAP).
They are being studied to discover how they effect cancer development. In addition, they have developed a novel technique using yeast genetics to clone new genes that represent special proteins given off by cancer cells.
Hopefully, these proteins will become tumor markers similar to the PSA and will allow for early diagnosis of specific cancers, monitoring of therapy and recognition of early relapse.
