Melissa Wong

Ph.D., Bowman Gray School of Medicine
Wake Forest University, 1994
Assistant Professor, Dermatology
Assistant Professor, Cell and Developmental Biology

We are interested understanding the molecular mechanism(s) that regulate epithelial proliferation and have focused on molecules that bridge two cellular functions: cell-cell contact and cell communication. b-catenin is one such functionally diverse molecule, having important roles in both functions. Its cellular distribution in cell-cell junctions, the cytoplasm, and in the nucleus is carefully balanced by tight regulation of the cytoplasmic pool. We are intrigued by b-catenin's role as a downstream mediator of the wnt signaling pathway because it plays a critical role in both development and disease. Mutations in components of this pathway result in formation of intestinal adenomatous polyps that if left untreated result in colorectal cancer. We are taking a global approach to understanding the role of b-catenin-mediated signaling in the epithelium by exploring both adult and embryonic systems. The current focus of the lab is on investigating the effect of induction of a b-catenin signaling molecule in the epithelium of the gut at distinct developmental stages. We are profiling the expression of genes that are differentially expressed during embryonic gut development using microarray gene chip technology. Using these approaches we aim to advance understanding of the molecular cascade of events that contributes to epithelial cancers.

Wong, M.H., Saam, J.R., Stappenbeck, T.S., Rexer, C.H., and Gordon, J.I. (2000) Genetic mosaic analysis based on cre recombinase and navigated laser capture microdissection. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 97:12601-12606.

Hooper, L.V., Wong, M.H., Thelin, A., Falk, P.G., and Gordon, J.I. (2001) Molecular components of intestinal function and maturation modulated by a normal resident bacterium. Science. 291:991-994.

Wong, M.H., Rubinfeld, B., and Gordon, J.I. (1998) Effects of Forced Expression of an NH2-terminal Truncated b-Catenin on Mouse Intestinal Epithelial Homeostasis. J. Cell Biol. 141:1-13.

To contact Dr. Wong directly: wongme@ohsu.edu