UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center Magazine E-Edition 2014 | Page 5

research update
THROUGH THE UAB NEURO-ONCOLOGY PROGRAM,
the UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center is part of several
national efforts focused on brain cancer. One is the highly prestigious SPORE (Specialized Program of Research
Excellence) grant, led by Yancey Gillespie, Ph.D., and
James Markert, M.D, Ph.D., which is designed to quickly
and safely move research findings from the laboratory
bench to the patient bedside. The division is also a member of the Adult Brain Tumor Consortium, a National
The UAB Neurological Oncology Program consists of a multidisciplinary team of neuro-oncologists, neurosurgeons, radiation

Cancer Institute-funded consortium of 10 institutions conducting early phase brain cancer research.

oncologists, neuroradiologists and neuropathologists, all devoted to the care and treatment of patients with brain tumors and
neurologic complications of systemic cancers. This includes conventional chemotherapy as well as the use of novel, experimental

Dr. Markert’s research team has found that a genetically engi-

therapies designed to destroy tumors unable to be removed by

neered herpes simplex virus known as G207 is safe when used

surgery or radiation therapy. Neuro-oncologists oversee this pro-

in conjunction with low doses radiation in the treatment of

cess, as well as treating the medical and neurological issues many

malignant gliomas. The virus infects and kills tumor cells and

patients with brain tumors develop, including seizures, infections

is genetically modified to reproduce only in tumor cells, which

and emotional difficulties.

lack the stronger antiviral defense mechanisms of healthy brain
cells. Early results have been extremely promising, and UAB
researchers are currently preparing further studies in this area.

Postdoctoral fellow Braden McFarland,
Ph.D., is focused on the role of chemical
signaling through cell membranes in gliomas. Normal cell signaling enables cells

Assistant Professor Susan Nozell, Ph.D., is investigating the various genetic fac-

to perceive and correctly respond to rou-

tors that increase the risk for gliomas and that impact survival after diagnosis.

tine growth and tissue repair commands.

She is exploring the role of a molecular protein called NF-kB that consistently

However, miscommunication between

correlates with patient prognosis by impacting a specific population of glioma

certain cells can lead to the development

stem cells. Defects in this particular protein mediate cell growth, migration,

of gliomas. Studies of these signaling

invasion, blood vessel formation and cell death. Research has identified a novel

pathways have greatly increased under-

gene, microRNA-31, that reduces the activity level of not only this molecular pro-

standing of the biology and clinical behav-

tein, but other proteins that specifically promote tumor growth. Investigating

ior of glioma formation. Dr. McFarland is

the interaction between molecular proteins and microRNA-31 has yielded prom-

currently completing preclinical investiga-

ising results, but more research is needed to fully understand the functionality

tions of an inhibitor that stabilizes chemi-

of microRNA-31. Pinpointing this correlation may provide valuable information

cal signaling between cells with hopes of

that not only improves patient prognosis and survival, but paves the way for

moving this research into human clinical

future glioma research.

trials in the near future.
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