Michael A. (tony) Hollingsworth

Biography

 Professor at Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Department of Pathology and Microbiology and Associate Director for Basic Research Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center

Research Interest

 The general subject of research in my laboratory is pancreatic cancer and other diseases of the pancreas, primarily pancreatitis. We have used modern techniques of molecular biology, biochemistry, cell biology, and immunology to develop a comprehensive program of investigation into the biology of normal and diseased pancreatic ductal epithelial cells. •    Several of the main projects in my laboratory center around the study of a complex mucin-like glycoprotein, MUC1, which is believed to play an important role in the normal function of pancreatic ductal epithelia and in the pathogenesis of pancreatic diseases, such as pancreatic adenocarcinoma. We are using the techniques of molecular and cellular biology to examine the regulation of expression and the mechanisms of post-translational processing of MUC1 in tumor cells and other disease conditions as compared to their normal cell counterparts. These studies also provide a paradigm to study basic aspects of the post-translational process (particularly O-glycosylation). We are developing and characterizing new monoclonal antibodies and tumor vaccine reagents for diagnostic and therapeutic uses that target known tumor associated antigens found on mucins. We are also studying the MUC1 promoter. •    I serve as the Principal Investigator of a SPORE in Pancreatic cancer and am the PI on a project in the SPORE program that is directed towards developing and testing vaccines for treating pancreatic cancer. I have previously received funding by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) as PI of a Biomarker Developmental Laboratory (organ focus Pancreas) within the Early Detection Research Network (EDRN). Biomarker Developmental Laboratories have the responsibility for the development and characterization of new biomarkers or the refinement of existing.