Training Program in Molecular Endocrinology

Baylor College Of Medicine, Houston TX

Investigators

Linked publications & trials

Abstract

The goal of this training program is to prepare scientists for careers as independent investigators in the field of molecular endocrinology. Elucidation of the basic mechanisms involved in signal transduction and the regulation of gene expression is essential for our understanding of the etiology and the design of effective treatments of major diseases affecting our society, such as diabetes, AIDS and cancer. This is an interdepartmental training program involving nineteen faculty from six departments, including the Departments of Medicine, Pediatrics, Surgery, Molecular and Cellular Biology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and Pathology. Major research programs include: (1) Interactions with the somatostatin receptor (2) Structure/function analysis of G proteins and G protein mediated signal transduction (3) The role of protein kinases and kinase inhibitors in signal transduction and cell cycle regulation (4) Prolactin and cytokine regulation of gene expression (5) Regulation of insulin gene transcription, genetics of diabetes and insulin-like growth factor I action (6) The molecular mechanisms of steroid receptor and vitamin D action (7) Hormonal control of lipid and fatty acid synthesis, insulin sensitivity, and islet cell neogenesis, and (8) Hormonal regulation of development. Trainees are both predoctoral and postdoctoral (Ph.D. and M.D.) fellows with backgrounds in areas such as biochemistry, cell and molecular biology and endocrinology. The faculty for this training program were chosen to represent the major areas of signal transduction from ligand-receptor interactions at the cell surface to gene transcription. Predoctoral candidates will be selected following their acceptance into the Graduate School at Baylor College of Medicine. During their first year in graduate school these students will all take a core curriculum designed to provide all graduate students with a broad-based coverage of the important concepts of biomedical science and more specialized courses, such as a course entitled "Cell Signaling" for trainees in the Molecular Endocrinology Program. Postdoctoral candidates with an interest in molecular endocrinology will be accepted upon completion of either their Ph.D. or M.D. degrees, or after completion of subspecialty clinical training following the M.D. degree. The training facilities are located in modern, up-to-date laboratories at Baylor College of Medicine located in the Texas Medical Center. The proximity of two medical schools, Rice Unversity and M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, and the presence of 60,000 professionals make this a unique environment in which to perform medical research.