Radiation Biology
The past few decades have seen a rapid acceleration in the efficiency and accuracy of delivering a tumor sterilizing dose of radiation to a patient’s tumor. Matching this explosion in delivery technology is the rapid expansion in tools and knowledge concerning the biological target of irradiation, the cell’s DNA. It is the goal of Radiation Biology to utilize the available knowledge base and modern technology to help understand the process whereby radiation interacts with a cell’s DNA and how that interaction affects whether that cell lives or dies. In order to accomplish this mission the Department has modern laboratory facilities available at both UC Davis and VA Northern California.
Research Faculty
Matthew Coleman, Ph.D.
Associate Adjunct Professor
Matthew Coleman
Dr. Coleman is pursuing research to identify the cellular mechanisms associated with ionizing radiation (IR) exposures in humans. This work relies on using genomic and proteomic techniques to identify and characterize transcriptional networks, such as TP53, MYC and NF-kappaB, that play a role in controlling cell fate in response to IR exposures. Importantly, these regulatory pathways are also utilized by the cell to support cancer progression. Such information can be utilized for developing diagnostic assays and tools for biodosimetry as well as the treatment and prevention of cancer. Dr. Coleman is also very active in the development of advanced biochemical techniques using nanoparticles made of apolipoproteins and phospholipids called nanolipoprotein particles (NLPs). NLPs closely mimic the cellular membrane bilayer, and represent an ideal platform for characterizing membrane proteins involved in signal transduction. The NLPs are also proving useful for drug delivery, immuno-modulation and in vivo imaging in the treatment of cancer.
Jian-Jian Li, M.D., Ph.D.
Professor
Director of Translational Research
Jian-Jian Li
Dr. Li is studying a small sub-population of tumor cells, called cancer stem cells, which are particularly radiation resistant. Such cells, if they survive treatment, may be responsible for treatment failures. Using modern molecular techniques he has found that a specific protein, NF-kappaB, may be a key regulator of this key group of cells. By manipulating both this protein and/or the pathways and processes it controls, it may be possible to enhance the killing of this key subgroup of cells. In an allied project Dr. Li has also found that the same protein (NF-kappaB) may also regulate the adaptive response. This is a process whereby a small dose of radiation may diminish the effects of subsequent doses. This is clearly a concern for tumor treatment but might be used to advantage to protect normal tissues exposed to irradiation.