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BIOLOGY DEPARTMENT > FACULTY > MCCLUNG

Dr. J. Keith McClung
Dr. McClung using new Nikon confocal microscope to study changes in the tumor suppressor protein, prohibitin, in human breast cancer cell.

Advising Expertise
Biology
Cell Biology
Molecular Biology
Graduate Studies

Current Research
My research has focused on the gene Prohibitin, and its relationship to breast cancer cells growth inhibition. Colleagues (including undergraduate students) have found the inhibitory activity resides in the 3' end of the Prohibitin mRNA. This section of the mRNA does not code for protein. The RNA itself was causing the growth inhibition. Microinjection of this region of the mRNA into individual breast cancer cells inhibits their growth as measured by DNA replication. Future research will to identify the mechanism of how the Prohibitin RNA can inhibit the growth of breast cancer cells.

Dr. J. Keith McClung
Associate Professor of Biology

Office: Science Center 163
Phone: (319) 352-8554
FAX: (319) 352-8606
Email: keith.mcclung@wartburg.edu

Courses Taught
BI 151 Biology I Ecosystems, Cells, and Evolution
BI 221 Cell Biology
ID 325 Issues in Biotechnology
BI 405 Immunology
BI 414 Molecular Biology
BI 455 Methods of Biological Research
BI 456 Student Research

Area of Interest
My interests are cell growth regulation and how cancer avoids the normal controls of growth. To approach these problems a broad interest in cell biology, molecular biology, and biochemistry are needed. My research resulted in the discovery of the gene Prohibitin. Since then the research has focused on this gene and how it inhibits cancer cells in culture. Interests in education led me to Wartburg College where teaching is combined with undergraduate research activities.

Faculty/Student Interaction
At Wartburg, student/faculty interaction is encouraged. Every faculty member is dedicated to the success of each student. All biology majors conduct independent research under the guidance of a faculty member.

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Mail address
Biology Department
Wartburg College
100 Wartburg Blvd.
Waverly, Iowa, USA 50677

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