Research / Clinical
Summary
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David Williams, PhD
Adjunct Professor, Pharmacology
Cancer Biology Program
Contact by Email
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Diseases/Research Topics
Angiogenesis, Cell Adhesion, Gene Therapy, Retinal Degeneration
Our research focuses on retinal degenerations, such as Usher syndrome and macular degeneration, by studying the genetic basis of the disease, function of disease proteins, and gene therapy. Areas of our studies that are relevant to cancer biology include the following:
1. Studies on the protein encoded by the Usher 1C gene. This protein is a PDZ domain protein that is linked to colon cancer. Colon cancer patients make autoantibodies against it; a tumor suppressor that is mutated in colon cancer binds to it; its overexpression in human colorectal adenocarcinoma SW480 cells arrests cell cycle.
2. Studies on the other Usher proteins. They are either cadherins or bind to cadherin-catenin complexes, so that studies of them involve the basic biology of cell adhesion, which is of major importance in cancer biology.
3. Studies on angiogenesis in the retina and development of mouse genetic models of retinal angiogenesis. Retinal angiogenesis underlies macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy. Inhibition of angiogenesis is a common goal in both cancer and these common forms of retinal disease.
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