Furthermore, we will investigate the role of the tumor suppressor gene p53 in the regulation of inflammation. It is now widely accepted that inflammation and cancer development are interconnected. Dr. Resnick is one of the international leaders in the study of the tumor suppressor gene p53. His group has discovered that activation of p53 through exposure to carcinogenic stimuli leads to differential expression of genes that have a direct effect on the inflammatory response, such as several toll-like-receptor genes. Dr. Resnick will use human leukocytes that will be isolated from whole blood. He will expose these cells to stimuli that activate p53, such as doxorubicin (a chemotherapy agent) or radiation, and examine the expression of toll-like-receptor genes as well as the response to LPS and other inflammatory agents in vitro.