Expertise/ Research Interests:
- Main area of interest centers on human ovarian epithelial carcinogenesis. Current research focuses on ovarian epithelial cellular responses to a variety of DNA damaging agents as well as the capacity for these cells to repair DNA damage. This includes studies of genomic instability measured by alterations in gene expression, cell-extracellular matrix interactions, and the signal transduction pathways that translate alterations at the genomic level to modulations in cellular behavior. While such studies should provide information about the origin and, perhaps, treatment of ovarian cancer, they are likely to have implications on normal ovarian growth and development, functioning, and aging.

Memberships:
Member, American Association for Cancer Research

Publications:

1. Kruk, P.A., A.K. Godwin, T.C. Hamilton, and N. Auersperg. Telomeric Instability and Reduced Proliferative Potential in Ovarian Surface Epithelial Cells from Women with a Family History of Cancer. Gynecol. Oncol. 73:229-236, 1999.
2. Alfonso-De Matte M.Y., J.Q. Cheng, and P.A. Kruk. Ultraviolet Irradiation- and Dimethyl Sulfoxide-Induced Telomerase Activity in Ovarian Epithelial Cell Lines. Exp. Cell Res. 267:13-27, 2001.
3. Alfonso-De Matte, H. Moses and P.A. Kruk. Calcium Induces Telomerase Activity in Ovarian Epithelial Cell Lines. Arch. Biochem. Biophys. 399:239-244, 2002.
4. Johnson N.C. and P.A. Kruk. BRCA1 Zinc RING Finger Domain Disruption Alters Caspase Response in Ovarian Surface Epithelial Cells. Cancer Cell Intl. 2 (7):1-12.
5. Alfonso-De Matte MY, H Yang, JQ Cheng, MS Evans and PA Kruk. C-Jun Kinase-Mediated Regulation of Telomerase in Ovarian Surface Epithelial Cells. Cancer Res. In press.