Afsane Arvand

Afsane Arvand is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences, specializing in cancer biology and molecular mechanisms of apoptosis. Her research focuses on understanding how chemotherapeutic agents induce cell death via intrinsic apoptotic pathways, particularly involving the MEKK1 protein and microtubule-disrupting drugs like vinblastine. She collaborates with UCLA's Genhong Cheng laboratory and uses DT40 B-cell knockout models to study chemoresistance mechanisms. Her work bridges oncogene biology (e.g., EWS/FLI1 fusion proteins) and DNA damage responses in cancer cells.

• Education:
• Postdoctoral Fellowship: University of California-Los Angeles
• PhD: University of California-Los Angeles
• BS: San Francisco State University
• Research Interests:
• Cancer cell apoptosis pathways
• MEKK1-mediated signaling in chemotherapy resistance
• Role of EWS/ETS fusion genes in tumor development
• Mechanisms of DNA damage response and p53-independent apoptosis

Dr. Arvand's publications emphasize the molecular underpinnings of oncogenesis and chemotherapeutic efficacy, particularly in p53-deficient tumors. Her collaborative work highlights translational research aimed at improving targeted therapies.