James Amos-Landgraf

Research

Areas of expertise

• Cancer Biology
• Disease Models
• Epigenetics
• Microbiome
• Signal Transduction

Research Summary

Our laboratory studies human colon cancer through the use of animal models. Using genetically engineered models of colon cancer in the mouse rat and pig, we are better able to understand the molecular genetic events that influence the initiation and progression of cancer. To help us understand human colon cancer development and discover potential chemotherapeutics we have pioneered the use of longitudinal in vivo monitoring. Through the use of classical and forward genetics we will discover new cancer susceptibility genes that will help identify potential human susceptibility genes for better diagnostics of human cancer risk. We have observed that the sex of the animal has as a profound impact on disease susceptibility, and that this is controlled by the present of testosterone. We are also investigating the role of the gut microbiota on the initiation and progression of colon cancer. By controlling the host genetics and altering the complex microbiome we are linking changes in the phenotype with changes in the epigenome. During our studies of genetic mechanisms of tumor initiation we discovered a novel epigenetic pathway leading early adenoma development. Understanding this epigenetic mechanism and the relationship to sex and the microbiome will lead to a better understanding of reversing or preventing disease.