Title: Roles of Novel Factors in Prostate Cancer

Presenter: Prof. Zhou Wang

University: University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine

Time: 10:00-11:00, 30 March, 2011

Venue: A203, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences

Introduction of Zhou Wang: He is PhD, a Professor and Director of Urological Research of the Department of Urology at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, and Co-Leader of PCP. He is interested in the mechanisms of androgen action and prostate cancer progression to castration resistance. His lab showed that some of the androgen-responsive genes in the prostate encode growth suppressive and/or tumor suppressive proteins. Also, he found that the expression of growth suppressive and tumor suppressive genes is enhanced by 5alpha-reductase inhibitor during re-growth of normal or malignant prostate. Based on this basic research finding, he showed that 5alpha-reductase inhibitor administration can improve the efficacy of intermittent androgen deprivation therapy in an animal model. In collaboration with urologists, medical oncologists, and pathologists, he is trying to translate this finding into the clinic. Dr. Wang was previously appointed to the Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University as an Assistant Professor of Urology and Molecular Pharmacology in 1995. He was named the O’Connor Family Research Professor of Urology at Northwestern University in 2003. Dr. Wang was recruited to the University of Pittsburgh and to the UPCI as PCP Co-Leader in May, 2006. His efforts include the enhancement of laboratory-based prostate cancer research activities and their translation to important new approaches for treatment, early detection, prognosis, and prevention of prostate cancer in the PCP and Department of Urology. In this role, he works closely with Dr. Nelson, Co-Leader of the PCP, to facilitate intra- and inter-programmatic research initiatives and collaborations. (Source from http://www.upci.upmc.edu/prostate/leader.cfm)