Dr. James is an Instructor of Neurology at Harvard Medical School and Assistant in Genetics (Neurology) at the Massachusetts General Hospital. She received her Ph.D. in Biochemistry from Boston University School of Medicine and furthered her training in the laboratory of Dr. Vijaya Ramesh of the Molecular Neurogenetics Unit/Center for Human Genetic Research. As a research fellow, Dr. James’ research efforts focused on functional studies of the neurofibromatosis 2 (NF2) tumor suppressor, merlin, in signaling pathways regulating actin cytoskeletal organization and cell growth in meningiomas. She is continuing studies aimed at understanding the mechanism of merlin’s tumor suppressor function in meningioma formation. She has developed an in vitro NF2 model system using the normal cell counterpart that meningiomas derive, arachnoidal cells, and further, is using gene expression microarray technology to examine novel merlin functions. Dr. James works closely with the laboratories of Dr. Ramesh and Dr. Gusella, and also collaborates with neuropathologists and neurologists at the MGH to obtain complete diagnostic, genetic and histological profiles of tumor samples. Defining merlin’s role in meningioma formation is critical for uncovering potential novel targets for therapies that may slow or prevent tumor growth.
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