Prof. Rina Rosin-Arbesfeld

A study of the early genetic and molecular events that lead to the development of colon and blood cancers.

Our research laboratory focuses on the molecular and biochemical aspects of the Wnt signal transduction pathway. This important pathway plays a major role in various cellular processes including homeostasis, proliferation, and differentiation. Thus, aberrant activation of the cascade can be extremely harmful and is implicated in many cancer syndromes, particularly in colorectal cancer (CRC).

Our work includes identifying new components that either initiate or activate the Wnt signaling cascade. This is performed by screening DNA or siRNA libraries (CRISPR/Cas9). The candidates are further analyzed and studied in regard to their specific function in the Wnt cascade. Some specific proteins we are working on are striatin and carboxypeptidase E (CPE).

We are also studying the roles of Wnt signaling in the bloodstream, establishing clinical methods of restoring the function of the tumor suppressor protein Adenomatous Polyposis Coli (APC) by nonsense mutation “read-through” therapy and examining the relationship between Wnt and the microbiome.