William G. North, PhD
Title(s)
Emeritus Professor of Molecular and Systems Biology
Department(s)
Molecular and Systems Biology
Education
Australian National University, BS 1964
Melbourne University, MS 1966
U. Queensland, PHD 1973
Programs
Neuroscience Center at Dartmouth
Program in Experimental and Molecular Medicine
Websites
http:
Contact Information
Dartmouth Medical School
1 Medical Center Drive, Borwell 308
Lebanon NH 03756
Office: 603-650-7736
Email: William.G.North@Dartmouth.Edu
Asst. Phone: 603-650-7738
Professional Interests
The studies conducted in this laboratory are centered on the expression of vasopressin and oxytocin genes, and on the post-translational generation of vasopressin, oxytocin, and neurophysins in hypothalamic neurons, small cell carcinoma cells, and breast cancer cells. Patients with Alzheimer's disease have reduced brain levels of vasopressin, oxytocin, and neurophysins. Vasopressin and its peptide fragments improve short-term memory consolidation and retrieval, while oxytocin functions as an amnesic agent. In tumor cells, vasopressin functions as an autocrine growth regulatory factor acting through all three of its receptors. In addition, vasopressin-related proteins are markers for small cell lung cancer and breast cancer. More recent studies feature the importance of NMDA receptors to growth and survival of small-cell, breast, pancreatic, ovarian, and prostate, tumors and how this discovery can be utilized clinically using NMDA receptor blockade with antagonists and antibodies.
Courses Taught
Medical Endocrinology
G.I. Physiology
Biomedical Ethics
Cancer and the Vasopressin Gene: Radioimmunoassay Values and Commentary on Copeptin as a Plasma Marker. Small-cell lung cancer growth inhibition: synergism between NMDA receptor blockade and chemotherapy. NMDA receptors are important regulators of pancreatic cancer and are potential targets for treatment. NMDA receptors are expressed in human ovarian cancer tissues and human ovarian cancer cell lines. Growth Impairment of Small-Cell Cancer by Targeting Pro-Vasopressin with MAG-1 Antibody. Detection of Provasopressin in Invasive and Non-invasive (DCIS) Human Breast Cancer Using a Monoclonal Antibody Directed Against the C-terminus (MAG1). Native MAG-1 antibody almost destroys human breast cancer xenografts. NMDA receptors are expressed by small-cell lung cancer and are potential targets for effective treatment. Breast cancer expresses functional NMDA receptors. Provasopressin expression by breast cancer cells: implications for growth and novel treatment strategies. |
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