Kelly J. Gauger

Kelly J. Gauger is an Adjunct Research Assistant Professor with a research focus in molecular oncology, particularly in the pathogenesis of breast cancer. She is affiliated with the Biology department and conducts research involving molecular signaling pathways, with a specific emphasis on the Wnt/β-catenin pathway and SFRP proteins.

Research Interests:

• Molecular mechanisms of breast cancer development
• Role of SFRP proteins in antagonizing Wnt signaling
• Loss of SFRP expression in carcinogenesis
• Apoptotic functions of SFRPs across tissues
• Cell line and mouse model-based studies of tumorigenesis

Her work investigates how dysregulation of SFRP expression contributes to cancer progression, with implications for targeted therapies. She employs both in vivo (SFRP1 knockout mice) and in vitro (mammary epithelial and breast cancer cell lines) models to dissect Wnt-dependent and independent pathways.

Scientific Awards:

• No awards listed in the provided text.

Advising and Grants:
Kelly J. Gauger's research involves mentoring in a laboratory setting, though no formal advisees are listed. Her work is likely supported by institutional or collaborative grants related to cancer biology, given the scope of her experimental models and molecular focus.

Labs and Research Teams:
She leads or is a key member of a research lab investigating molecular pathways in breast cancer, utilizing transgenic mouse models and cell culture systems. The lab focuses on mechanistic studies of SFRP function and its implications for therapeutic targeting in breast cancer.