Join Dr. Matthew J. Lazzara, Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, for a discussion of cell signaling and 'targeted' therapeutics for the treatment of cancer. This presentation will outline the basic concepts underlying receptor-mediated cell signaling in health and in disease with a special focus on how improperly regulated cell signaling processes can lead to cancer. The discussion will also focus on current approaches for developing therapeutic molecules to interfere with aberrant cell signaling in cancer. Students should have a working knowledge of cell biology and should prepare questions ahead of time for Dr. Lazzara.

Pre-Videoconference Activites

• Introduce the Concept of Cell Signaling : It would be helpful for teachers to introduce the general concept of cell signaling to students. We've posted some great wiki pages under Resources!
• Develop Questions: Students will develop questions for Dr. Lazzara related to the presentation topic prior to the videoconference. Teachers may want to hand out index cards for students to jot down questions during the presentation as well.

About Dr. Matthew J. Lazzara

Matthew J. Lazzara is an Assistant Professor of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Bioengineering, and Medicine Member, Institute of Medicine and Engineering. He received his B.S. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Florida (1997) and his PhD in Chemical Engineering from MIT (2003). His current focus of research includes ErbB-mediated cell signaling and Cell signaling in the renal proximal tubule. Read more about Dr. Lazzara on the University of Pennsylvania website.