CPB 69700 RESEARCH SEMINAR

DEPARTMENT OF COMPARATIVE PATHOBIOLOGY

Sophie A. Lelièvre, D.V.M., L.L.M. (Public Health), Ph.D.

Department of Basic Medical Sciences

Purdue University

“The Cell Nucleus: Anatomopathological Resource, Control Tower

Of Gene Transcription, And Evolving Target For Therapy”

Thurs., January 29, 2009

VPTH 112

3:30 pm

Abstract:

Over the past 15 years, with the eruption of the genome project and the tremendous development of research on the epigenetic aspects of diseases, the cell nucleus has gained renewed attention. Nuclear mechanisms that control gene transcription have been unraveled, epigenetic memory has been discovered, and recognition of a meaningful organization of chromatin and nonchromatin nuclear components is now rapidly emerging.

After introducing the different elements that compose the cell nucleus, I will present research from my laboratory in three different areas: Firstly the investigation of the nuclear organization typical of normal differentiated tissue and the meaning of the disruption of such an organization for cancer development; secondly, the influence of tissue architecture on nuclear function, notably DNA repair; thirdly, the development of architectural proteomics to aid pathologists with the classification of neoplastic lesions.

Finally I will discuss the novel concept of preset nuclear organization, in which at any given time arrangement within the cell nucleus participates in the control of cell fate, and the consequences for gene expression-targeted therapies.