Areas of Interest
Our laboratory employs morphological, immunological and
biochemical methodology to study gene expression and protein
localization in salivary glands. Current areas of interest are:
- the use of transgenic and knock-out mice to determine
the role of various transcription factors in salivary gland
development and gene expression;
- salivary secretory protein expression in experimental
diabetes;
- the localization of salivary proteins in human salivary
glands; and
- the expression, localization and function of cyclic
AMP-binding proteins in salivary glands and saliva.
Lab Rotation Projects
The current research in my laboratory involves the use of
light and electron microscopy and immunocytochemistry to study
the structure and development of salivary glands. Students
desiring experience with the preparation and analysis of
specimens using these techniques may participate in ongoing
projects or are welcome to apply them to a project of their own
choosing.
Project #1: Analysis of protein expression in salivary
glands of transgenic mice carrying rat salivary protein gene
constructs to determine regulatory sequences required for tissue
and cell specific expression.
Project #2: Study of salivary glands in mice with
targeted mutations in various transcription factors important
for normal gland development and gene expression.
Project #3: Distribution and localization of proteins
in human salivary glands.
Selected Publications
Ahmad M, Piludu M, Oppenheim FG, Helmerhorst EJ, Hand AR. 2004.
Immunocytochemical localization of histatins in human salivary
glands. J Histochem Cytochem 52:361-370.
Zinzen KM, Hand AR, Yankova M, Ball WD, Mirels L. 2004.
Molecular cloning and characterization of the neonatal rat and
mouse submandibular gland protein SMGC. Gene 334:23-33.
Wolff MS, Mirels L, Lagner J, Hand AR. 2002. Development of
the rat sublingual gland: a light and electron microscopic
immunocytochemical study. Anat Rec 266:30-42.
Piludu M, Mednieks MI, Hand AR. 2002. Cyclic AMP-receptor
proteins in human salivary glands. Eur J Morphol 40: 219-225.
Hecht R, Connelly M, Marchetti L, Ball WD, Hand AR. 2000.
Cell death during development of intercalated ducts in the rat
submandibular gland. Anat Rec 258:349-358. |
