I. James Lee, PhD

Dr. Lee's research goal is to elucidate the molecular processes that lead to cancer and the progression of cancer and to utilize the novel information to develop improved anti-cancer drugs. He is currently characterizing the mechanisms by which MUC1, a proto-oncogene which is over-expressed in greater than 90% of breast carcinomas, contributes to tumorigenesis and cancer progression. Dr. Lee has recently discovered that a naturally occurring compound, indole-3-carbinol (I3C), inhibits the transcription of the MUC1 gene. He is currently characterizing the mechanism of regulation of MUC1 gene expression by I3C. In addition, he is characterizing the function of the novel proto-oncogene, LETMD1. LETMD1 is over expressed in several cancers and current data suggests that its aberrant expression can lead to tumorigenesis. His group is currently charactering the mechanism by which LETMD1 promotes cancer. In addition, Dr Lee is working with Dr. Natalie Eddington to improve methods of drug delivery and ascertain the function of the drug resistance protein, P-gp.