Bolcome, Robert

I am interested in using zebrafish to study the molecular mechanisms underlying cancer progression and metastasis. The zebrafish provides a simple model system to examine the functions of any protein in an intact vertebrate organism. Blood flow and blood vessels are particularly easy to evaluate through the transparent embryo. Our experiments on zebrafish blood vessel formation allow us to ask questions relevant to tumor angiogenesis in humans. Many molecules that control embryonic vessel development are also reactivated during tumor angiogenesis. Our studies using the zebrafish have given me an opportunity to learn molecular biology, bioinformatics, genetics and signal transduction. This experience will help significantly in narrowing my focus in choosing a thesis project for my Ph.D. program.