Jan Burger
Professor
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
Department of Leukemia
The research in my group focuses on the cellular and molecular mechanism of cross talk between leukemia cells and their microenvironment. Our research is focused on the role of B cell chemokine receptors, their interactions with adhesion molecules, and downstream signaling events. Also, we explore the role of the B cell antigen receptor (BCR) and its signaling in B cells from patients with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL). Our research is now leading to clinical trial in leukemia patients, in which we target CXCR4 chemokine receptors or the BCR-associated Syk kinase.
Projects/techniques: Identification and verification of cellular and molecular pathways of cross talk between leukemia cells and their microenvironment by cell biology assays, microarray techniques, PCR, immunoblotting. Testing of novel drugs (inhibitors of chemokine receptors, kinase inhibitors, integrin antagonists) for pre-clinical development.
Education & Training
Ph.D. - Albert Ludwigs University School of Medicine - 1994
M.D. - Albert Ludwigs University School of Medicine - 1994