Kim Rathmell, MD

Associate Professor

Research Interests

Key words:  Renal cell carcinoma, von Hippel-Landau tumor suppressor gene, biologically active treatment protocols

The focus of my research group is the understanding of the tumorigenesis of renal cell carcinoma. We tackle this problem using a variety of approaches, utilizing genetically engineered cells and mice. These models provide tools with which we are able to investigate the effects of the von Hippel-Lindau and other important genes on processes integral to tumorigenesis including angiogenesis, vasculogenesis, hypoxic response signaling, extracellular matrix remodeling, glucose metabolism, and cell cycle signaling. These genetic models additionally provide the platform for the generation of a series of VHL mutant mice as an in vivo model of the human disease. Our cell culture and mouse models provide excellent models for exploring the pathogenesis of renal cancer as well as serving as tools for drug development.

Clinically, my focus is the treatment of renal cell carcinoma. Using the information we are able to glean from the experimental models in the laboratory our goal is to provide superior care to patients with renal cell carcinoma, and to use those models to support a program of drug discovery and innovative ways of using available drugs targeting this particular cancer. To that end, I oversee a clinical research program within the multidisciplinary genitourinary oncology group that offers biologically active treatment protocols to patients with renal cell carcinoma at all stages of disease.

This work is funded by grants from the NCI, the V Foundation for Cancer Research, Valvano Scholar Award, the American Cancer Society, the VHL Family Alliance, and the Doris Duke Charitable Fund.

Trainees:

Publications

Contact Information

21-237 Lineberger Comprehensive  Cancer Center
CB #7295
Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7295

Web: http://www.unc.edu/~rathmell

Office:  (919) 966-8644
Lab:     (919) 962-2148
Fax:     (919) 966-8212

Email:  Kim Rathmell, PhD