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Kim E. Creek , PhD
Professor, USC School of Medicine, Pathology and Microbiology
DEGREES
Ph.D., Purdue University
Postdoctoral Fellow, Washington University School of Medicine
Postdoctoral Fellow, National Cancer Institute
RESEARCH INTEREST
My research program centers on exploring the cellular and molecular changes initiated by human papillomavirus type 16 (HPV16), a DNA virus associated with nearly all cervical cancers. In particular we use an in vitro model system of HPV-mediated human cell carcinogenesis. Using this model we have characterized several key changes that mark the progression from normal to premalignant cells upon transfection of normal human keratinocytes (HKc) with HPV16 DNA. We have determined that progression in this model is associated with increasing resistance to growth inhibition by transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta)?. TGF-beta resistance is the result of a loss in the expression of the TGF-beta receptor type I (TGF-beta RI). Current studies, funded by the National Cancer Institute (NCI), are exploring the molecular mechanism(s) leading to a loss of TGF-beta RI in these cells.
Additional areas of focus in my laboratory include; (1) studies exploring the specific functions of the HPV16 E6 and E7 oncoproteins required to induce TGF-beta resistance and disrupt TGF-beta signaling in normal HKc and (2) experiments aimed at identifying the elements within the HPV16 upstream regulatory region (URR) that are responsible for TGF-beta modulation of HPV16 early gene expression. Our recent results, published in the Journal of Virology, demonstrate that TGF-beta modulation of HPV16 early gene expression is mediated by NF1/Ski interactions.
A long term goal of our research is to determine which markers of progression identified in our in vitro model can be verified and tested in the human population. To this end we are employing a DNA microarray approach, using both our in vitro model system and cervical cells collected from routine Pap smears. These studies are being conducted in our microarray core facility, which I serve as Director. We hope to identify biological markers of cervical cancer progression that will find an application in screening, using “diagnostic” DNA microarrays, to ultimately identify among HPV positive women, those at greatest risk to develop cervical cancer.
Finally, in a program recently funded by the NCI, I am coordinating a project that brings together Claflin University (a Historically Black College or University located in Orangeburg, South Carolina) and the South Carolina Cancer Center in a collaborative effort aimed at training minority undergraduate students in cancer research, and at establishing solid collaborative research programs among cancer researchers at the two institutions.
CONTACT INFORMATION
USC School of Medicine | Department of Pathology and Microbiology
Columbia, SC 29208 | E-mail
Office: 803 . 733 . 3153 | Fax: 803 . 733 . 3192
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