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Title: Phenotypic analysis of the epidermal growth factor receptor mutation waved-2 on inbred genetic backgrounds. (Advisor: Dr. David Threadgill - Sponsor: Dr. Al Baldwin)
I have been studying mice carrying a specific mutation (waved2) in the epidermal growth factor receptor (Egfr) that causes the receptor to have a reduced level of function relative to normal mice. Egfr is significant to a number of cellular processes, perhaps most importantly through its involvement in cell cycle regulation. Generally, Egfr pathways promote cell division, thus the receptor is currently a strong candidate for the development of anticancer therapies acting to block the receptor. A major focus of my research has been to characterize differences between normal mice and wa2 mutants, which serve as a model for side effects of potential drugs that would act to reduce normal Egfr function. We are particularly interested not only in differences between normal and mutants, but also differences in mutants of different strains, as the effect of the mutation could potentially vary in animals of different genetic backgrounds. |
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