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Faculty Profile Last Modified Time: 11:17:16 AM Thu, 14 Mar 2024   Contact Information Ming-Jer Tsai Associated Profiles  Dist Serv Professor, Molecular and Cellular Biology, Charles C. Bell, Jr. Professorship, Cell Biology, Baylor College of Medicine   One Baylor Plaza, Room No.: M734    mtsai@bcm.tmc.edu     713-798-6253    Web Link    Role of Transcription Factors in Development and Diseases    Associated Profiles Research and Expertise Affiliations Appointments  Research and Expertise Research Interests   We are interested in understanding the role of transcription factors in gene regulation, development and diseases. Our research has been concentrated in the following three areas: 1. BETA2/NeuroD in pancreatic islet and neuronal development The insulin gene is regulated in a tissue and developmental-specific manner. In our laboratory, we have isolated a tissue-specific transcription factor BETA2 that can regulate its transcription. Its role in insulin gene activity and islet cell fate determination are carried out by gene knockout experiment. Results indicate that BETA2 is essential for proper morphogenesis of pancreatic islets and cell fate determination of several enteroendocrine cells. In addition, we also found that the proper differentiation of several neuronal cell types such as granule cells of the hippocampus and cerebellum, photoreceptor cells of retina, as well as the ganglions of the number VIII nerve are compromised. These defects result in behavior abnormalities such as epilepsy, hyperactivity, imbalance and deafness. Currently, we are analyzing the target genes that are responsible for these defects and modifying mechanism of these defects. In addition, using Ngn3, a bHLH transcription factor, as a marker and molecular genetic approaches to mark Ngn3 cells, we have isolated islet progenitor/stem cells. These cells will be characterized for future treatment of diabetes using in vitro produced islets from these progenitor/stem cells. 2. Molecular developmental biology of COUP-Transcription factors COUP-TFs are orphan members of the steroid/thyroid receptor superfamily. Using a molecular approach in collaboration with Dr. Sophia Tsai's laboratory, we have found that COUP-TFs are silencers and able to negatively regulate other receptors such as RAR, RXR, TR, VDR and PPAR activities. These results suggest that they play an important role in cellular development and differentiation. We are using cellular, molecular and genetic approaches to determine the precise role(s) of these transcription factors in mouse development. Results indicated that COUP-TFI is important in neurodevelopment, axonal guidance, brain regionalization and bone morphogenesis and COUP-TFII is important for angiogenesis, heart development, adipogenesis and organogenesis. Currently, we are trying to dissect the underlying mechanism of these defects. 3. Role of nuclear receptor coactivators and corepressors in prostate cancer It has been shown that androgen and its receptor play an important role in the formation and progression of prostate tumor. Activation of target genes by androgen receptor, however, requires the participation of coactivators and corepressors. Many cofactors have been identified to interact with and activate androgen receptor activity. In our laboratory, we are interesting in determining whether any of these cofactors has a role in prostate tumors. Using in situ hybridization, we have identified SRC-3 to be over-expressed in 47% of prostate tumor samples. Our goal is to dissect the role of SRC-3 in cell growth and formation of prostate tumor using transgenic mice as a model.  Publications/Creative Works Click here to search for this faculty member's publications on PubMed.  Affiliations  Research Consortia John S. Dunn GCC for Chemical Genomics  Appointments Title Department / School Institution Charles C. Bell, Jr. Professorship Cell Biology Baylor College of Medicine

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