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Research

Robert Auerbach

Ph.D., Columbia University
Professor Emeritus, Department of Zoology

Developmental Immunology; Endothelial Cell Differentiation; Angiogenesis

There are three overlapping but distinct research areas in my laboratory. With regard to developmental immunology we are working to define the stem cell population that will give rise to functional T-and B-lymphocytes during embryogenesis. Our focus at present is on the events underlying development of cells of the mouse embryonic yolk sac, their migration into and out of the thymus and other rudiments, and their expression sequentially of T-cell receptor gene rearrangements; expression of differentiation antigens such as CD4 and CD8, and their capacity to react to alloantigens and to secrete lymphokines.

The relation between embryonic stem cell differentiation and differentiation of stem cells in later life, primarily from the yolk sac, is not clear. What is known is that as the mouse ages there are a variety of alterations in stem cell behavior. Whether such alterations occur in yolk sac cells in vitro has not been established.

Our primary research emphasis in endothelial cell differentiation is on characterizing the origin and nature of heterogeneity among endothelial cells of different organ sites. Included are studies on development of the vascular system in the mouse, the alterations in endothelial cells occurring as vessels invade tumors, and the effect of viral infection on endothelial cell morphology and function. Endothelial cell heterogeneity is considered of key importance in the metastatic process, in that tumor cells of different types appear to recognize and adhere preferentially to endothelial cells of specific organ beds, in turn leading to their extravasation and growth in those sites.

Blood vessel formation occurs as a result of a number of normal and pathological processes, including embryogenesis and wound healing for the former, and inflammation, vasculitis, tumor development and a variety of autoimmune disease processes for the latter. We are pursuing a variety of approaches relating to the induction of and prevention of new blood vessel formation. Included in our studies are the identification of angiogenesis inducing factors such as specific cytokines, and the determination of anti-angiogenic activities of various pharmacological reagents such as RNAsin and anti-inflammatory reagents.

Special techniques in our laboratory include: a) Flow cytometry/cell sorting. Our laboratory serves as the main site for investigations using dual laser flow cytometers; b) Monoclonal antibody production; c) Cell and tissue culture. We also maintain one of the most extensive mouse genetic stocks on campus.

Representative Publications

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