Philip Howe, Ph.D.
TGFβ and RNA proteins and their regulation of tumor progression
Research Interest
My research is focused on the role of transforming growth factor β1 (TGFβ1) in cellular models of differentiation and cancer. We have identified a signaling pathway whereby TGF regulates epithelial-mesenchymal transitions (EMT) and metastasis through a post-transcriptional mechanism involving the regulation of an RNA binding protein, heterogeneous ribonucleoprotein E1 (hnRNP E1). Traditionally, my laboratory has relied on the use of in vitro cellular and in vivo mouse model systems of tumorigenesis, primarily breast cancer. We have generated a substantial understanding of the basic molecular mechanisms and pathways that the TGFβ/hnRNP E1 axis utilizes to mediate not only late-stage tumor progression but also in the generation of tumor initiating cells (TICs). Since 2012, I have served as the Chair of the Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology at MUSC and as Co-Program Leader of the Cancer Biology & Immunology Program in the HCC.