Research Program: Tumor Biology and Progression Research
Professor, Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences

beitz001@umn.edu
612-625-2595—office
612-624-4994—lab
Preferred method of contact: e-mail

Research Interests

The research in my laboratory focuses on understanding mechanisms of cancer pain and the mechanisms underlying tumor metastasis. We are using both in vitro models including a recently developed novel bone explant/tumor/dorsal root ganglion (DRG) culture system and in vivo models including implantation of osteosarcoma and fibrosarcoma cells directly into bone. We are examining the substances secreted by tumors in vivo using a microperfusion technique that allows us to sample extracellular fluid. We aim to identify proteins secreted by the tumor that are critical in the development of tumor pain as well as those involved in tumor metastasis. We are using siRNA constructs to knock down these proteins to determine their role in tumor-induced nociception and/or metastasis.

Selected Publications

Schiller, KA, Zillhardt, MR, Alley J, Borjesson DL, Beitz, AJ, Mauro, LJ. Secretion of MCP-1 and other paracrine factors in a novel tumor-bone coculture model. BMC Cancer 2009;9:45.

Kim HW, Roh DH, Yoon SY, Seo HS, Kwon YB, Han HJ, Kim KW, Beitz AJ, Lee JH. Activation of the spinal sigma-1 receptor enhances NMDA-induced pain via PKC- and PKA-dependent phosphorylation of the NR1 subunit in mice. Br J Pharmacol. 2008;154(5):1125-34.

Pacharinsak C, Beitz A. Animal models of cancer pain (review). Comp Med. 2008;58:220-233.

Khasabova JA, Stucky CL, Harding-Rose C, Eikmeier L, Beitz, AJ, Coicou LG, Hanson AE, Simone DA, Seybold VS.Chemical interactions between fibrosarcoma cancer cells and sensory neurons contribute to cancer pain. J Neurosci. 2007;27:10289-10298.

Vit JP, Ohara PT, Tien D, Fike J, Eikmeier L, Beitz A, Wilcox G, Jasmin L. The analgesic effect of low dose radiation in a mouse model of bone metastasis is associated with a decreased inflammatory response in the spinal cord. Pain 2006;120:188-201.

Wacnik PW, Baker CM, Herron MJ, Kren BT, Blazar BR, Wilcox GL, Hordinsky MK, Beitz AJ, Ericson ME. Tumor induced mechanical hyperalgesia involves CGRP receptors and altered innervation and vascularization of DS-Red2 fluorescent hindpaw tumors. Pain 2005;115:95-106.

Wacnik PW, Eikmeier LJ, Simone DA, Wilcox GL, Beitz AJ. Nociceptive Characteristics of tumor necrosis factor-alpha in naïve and tumor-bearing mice. Neuroscience 2005;132:479-491.

Wacnik PW, Kehl LJ, Trempe TM, Ramnaraine ML, Beitz AJ, and Wilcox GL. Tumor implantation in mouse humerus evokes movement-related hyperalgesia exceeding that evoked by intramuscular carrageenan. Pain 2003;101:175-186.

Wacnik PW, Eikmeier LJ, Ruggles TR Ramnaraine ML, Walcheck BK, Beitz AJ Wilcox GL. Functional interactions between tumor and peripheral nerve: Morphology, algogen identification and behavioral characterization of a new murine model of cancer pain. J Neurosci. 2001;21:9355-9366.

Cain DM, Wacnik PW, Eikmeier L, Wilcox, GL, Beitz AJ, Simone DA. Functional interactions between tumor and peripheral nerve in a model of cancer pain in the mouse. Pain Medicine 2000;2:15-23.

Wacnik PW, Wilcox GL, Clohisy DR, Ramnaraine ML, Eikmeier LJ, Beitz AJ. Cancer pain mechanisms and animal models of cancer pain. Progress in Pain Research and Management 2000;16: 215-237.