James Haughian

Contact Information

Education

2003-2008            PhD - Cell and Developmental Biology                                               

University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO

2000-2002           MS - Endocrinology and Reproductive Physiology                             

University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI

1996-2000           BS - Animal Science                

University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI

Professional/Academic Experience

2012-present           University of Northern-Colorado, Greeley, CO

Instructor, School of Biological Sciences

2008-2012 University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO

Postdoctoral Research Associate, Oncology- Breast Cancer

Research/Areas of Interest

I've worked extensively in the biomedical research setting and have identified cellular pathways, for ex. Notch pathway, that explain tumor heterogeneity in breast cancers. We have continued this work using CRISPR genome editing tools to identify additional regulators of the distinct cell phenotypes observed in women's breast cancers.

Another vein of research that my lab has recently been involved with is the effects of physical activity (exercise) on tumor biology. We are working with members of the University of Northern Colorado Cancer Rehabilitation Institute to develop better prescriptive exercise regimes that will maximize the potential of the human body to slow the growth and progression of existing cancers.  

I also enjoy teaching others about the biological world in general, and have brought my love of science into the classroom. I continue to experiment with and document the effects of different styles of active learning in my Biology classes, such as the 'flipped classroom' approach. 

Publications/Creative Works

Ogba N, Manning NG, Bliesner BS, Ambler S, Haughian JM, Pinto MP, Jedlicka P, Joensuu K, Heikkilä P, Horwitz KB. Luminal breast cancer metastases and tumor arousal from dormancy are promoted by direct actions of estradiol and progesterone on the malignant cells. Breast Cancer Res. 2014 Dec 5;16(6):489.

Knox AJ, Scaling AL, Pinto MP, Bliesner BS, Haughian JM, Abdel-Hafiz HA, Horwitz KB. Modeling luminal breast cancer heterogeneity: combination therapy to suppress a hormone receptor-negative, cytokeratin 5-positive subpopulation in luminal disease. Breast Cancer Res. 2014 Aug 13;16(4):418.

Haughian JM, Ginther OJ, Diaz FJ, Wiltbank MC. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone, estradiol, and inhibin regulation of follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone surges: implications for follicle emergence and selection in heifers.Biol Reprod. 2013 Jun 27;88(6):165.

Haughian JM, Pinto MP, Harrell JC, Bliesner BS, Joensuu KM, Dye WW, Sartorius CA, Tan AC, Heikkilä P, Perou CM, Horwitz KB. Maintenance of hormone responsiveness in luminal breast cancers by suppression of Notch. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2012 Feb 21; 109(8):2742-7.

Luo W, Gumen A, Haughian JM, Wiltbank MC. The Role of Luteinizing Hormone in Regulating Gene Expression During Selection of a Dominant Follicle in Cattle. Biol Reprod. 2011 Feb;84(2):369-78.

Kabos P, Haughian JM, Wang X, Dye WW, Finlayson C, Elias A, Horwitz KB, Sartorius CA. Cytokeratin 5 positive cells represent a steroid receptor negative and therapy resistant subpopulation in luminal breast cancers. Breast Cancer Res Treat. 2010 Jul 28.

Reno EM, Haughian JM, Jackson TA, Thorne AM, Bradford AP. c-Jun N-terminal kinase regulates apoptosis in endometrial cancer cells. Apoptosis. 2009 Jun;14(6):809-20.

Haughian JM, Reno EM, Thorne AM, Bradford AP. Protein kinase C alpha-dependent signaling mediates endometrial cancer cell growth and tumorigenesis. Int J Cancer. 2009 Dec 1;125(11):2556-64.

Haughian JM, Bradford AP. Protein kinase C alpha (PKCalpha) regulates growth and invasion of endometrial cancer cells. J Cell Physiol. 2009 Jul;220(1):112-8.

Reno EM, Haughian JM, Jackson TJ, Dimitrova IK, Bradford AP.  Analysis of Protein Kinase C delta (PKCd) Expression in Endometrial Tumors.  Human Pathology. 2008 Jan;39(1):21-9.

Haughian JM, Jackson TA, Koterwas DM, Bradford AP.  Endometrial cancer cell survival and apoptosis is regulated by protein kinase C alpha and delta.  Endocr Relat Cancer. 2006. Dec; 13(4):1251-67.

Sartori R, Haughian JM, Shaver RD, Rosa GJ, Wiltbank MC.  Comparison of ovarian function and circulating steroids in estrous cycles of Holstein heifers and lactating cows.  J Dairy Sci. 2004 Apr;87(4):905-920.

Haughian JM, Ginther OJ, Kot K, Wiltbank MC.  Relationships between FSH patterns and follicular dynamics and the temporal associations among hormones in natural and GnRH-induced gonadotropin surges in heifers.  Reproduction. 2004 Jan;127(1):23-33.

Navratil AM, Bliss SP, Berghorn KA, Haughian JM, Farmerie TA, Graham JK, Clay CM, Roberson MS.  Constitutive localization of the gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) receptor to low density membrane microdomains is necessary for GnRH signaling to ERK.  J Biol Chem. 2003 Aug 22;278(34):31593-602. 

Haughian JM, Sartori R, Gumen A, Guenther JN, Wiltbank MC. Extending the postpartum anovulatory period in dairy cattle with estradiol cypionate.  J Dairy Sci. 2002 Dec;85(12):3238-49.