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Kathleen O'Connor
Associate Professor
Ph.D., Case Western Reserve University, 1996

Office: 859-323-7534
Lab: 859-323-7173

Overview ▪ Recent Publications ▪ PubMed

Positions Available

Overview
Recent Highlights ▪ Recent Publications ▪ PubMed

I am interested in understanding how integrins and integrin-mediated signaling contribute to the late stages of carcinoma progression where cells acquire the ability to invade into the surrounding tissues. Integrin receptors, which link the extracellular matrix to the cytoskeleton and various signaling pathways, are essential for cells to sense and integrate cues from the extracellular matrix. Signaling from integrin receptors is critical for carcinoma cell invasion. One integrin species, the a6b4 integrin, can promote this process. My work has uncovered a link between integrin signaling and cyclic AMP metabolism. The metabolism of cAMP, i.e. both it generation and breakdown, is delicately balanced during invasion and is required for the control of the Rho family of small GTPases. We also find that the a6b4 integrin can promote the expression of pro-invasive genes, such as autotaxin. My long term goal is to understand the how integrins and integrin signaling control cAMP metabolism and gene transcription and thereby contribute to the aggressive behavior of advanced cancers, including carcinomas of the breast, colon and pancreas.

Recent Publications
Overview ▪ PubMed