Research Interests
Publications
The High Mobility Group A (HMGA) proteins are a
class of nonhistone chromatin binding proteins that mediate neoplastic
transformation. The Sumter lab is interested in
elucidating the mechanism by which thiese proteins mediate transformation. To do so, we are identifying the domains and specific amino acids of HMGA1 that
are critical for its DNA binding and transforming properties. We have identified several putative HMGA1a
target genes and our preliminary results show that a protein variant lacking
two of the AT hook DNA binding regions of the protein is capable of
transforming cells with an efficiency comparable to wild-type. Further
investigations of this finding are currently being conducted. We are also investigating the role that
various post-translational modifications of HMGA1 play in the protein's ability to modulate chromatin structure and mediate neoplastic
transformation. This work is currently
funded by the National Science Foundation and will provide essential
information regarding the importance of post-translational modification in
regulating the function of various nuclear proteins. It is likely that understanding of the protein's mechanism in cancer
initiation will facilitate the development of effective treatment
therapies.
Students
in my lab typically major in biology and/or chemistry and receive extensive
training in molecular biology techniques such as cloning, mutagenesis, protein
purification, transfection, tissue culture, and electrophoretic mobility
shift assays. Several students are also
evaluating the DNA binding properties of wild-type and mutant HMGA1 using
fluorescence spectroscopy.
Julie Burton (now in medical school), Veda Evans, Kelly Pace, and Richard
Anderson presented their research locally and at national meetings.