Research Interests:

This research unit is made up of two laboratories: The Protein and Polypeptide Hormone Laboratory and The DNA Laboratory. This unit conducts research in the area of molecular endocrinology / cancer biology, with emphasis on the role of reproductive hormones in health (pregnancy / lactation) and disease (breast cancer) processes. Ongoing research projects are directed towards the study of the roles and molecular mechanisms of actions of protein and steroid hormones, as well as oncogenes and growth factors, in the regulation of growth and function of normal and cancer cells. 

A multidisciplinary approach is used to conduct the above research, although molecular biology / recombinant DNA biotechnology, which encompasses such techniques as gene cloning and targeting in cell cultures and transgenic mice, is the major tool used. The research milieu is made up of a staff of experienced doctorate research associates and a support staff of skilled technologists and a secretary. The youth wing of this research unit is made up of a group of inspired post-doctoral fellows and graduate students. 

Recent Publications

1. Shiu PC, Friesen HG. Mechanisms of action of prolactin in the control of mammary gland function. Ann Rev Physiol 42:83,1980. 
2. Myal Y, Shiu RPC, Bhaumick B, Bala M. Receptor binding and growth promoting activity of insulin-like growth factors in human breast cancer cells (T-47D) in culture. Cancer Res 44:5486, 1984. 
3. Dembinski T, Leung CKH, Shiu RPC. Evidence for a novel pituitary factor that potentiates the mitogenic effect of estrogen in human breast cancer cells. Cancer Res 45:3083, 1985. 
4. Shiu RPC, Murphy LC, Tsuyuki D, Myal Y, Lee-Wing M, Iwasiow B. Biological actions of prolactin in human breast cancer. Rec Progr Horm Res 43:277, 1987. 
5. Myal Y, Robinson D, Tsuyuki D, Iwasiow B, Wong P, Shiu RPC. The human prolactin-inducible protein (PIP)/gross cystic disease fluid protein (GCDFP-15) gene: Cloning, structure and hormonal regulation. Mol Cell Endocrinol 80:165, 1991. 
6. Watson PH, Pon R, Shiu RPC. Inhibition of c-myc expression by phosphorothioate antisense oligodeoxynucleotides identifies a critical role for c-myc in the growth of human breast cancer. Cancer Res 51:3996, 1991. 
7. Dubik D, Shiu RPC. An estrogen response region of the human c-myc gene: evidence for a new estrogen transactivation mechanism. Oncogene 7:1587, 1992. 

PubMed Listed Publications