Dr. Loewenstein studies how HIV, particularly a protein called Tat, can damage brain cells, contributing to neurological problems in patients with HIV. His research is crucial for developing better treatments for these patients by understanding how HIV interacts with brain tissue. Additionally, he investigates the genetic factors involved in different types of cancers, such as laryngeal and head and neck cancers. By examining how certain genes called oncogenes promote cancer, he aims to uncover new approaches to treatment that can improve outcomes for cancer patients.
Key findings
Tat protein from HIV-1 caused complete killing of certain nerve cells at a concentration of 5 micrograms/ml within 24 hours and led to 90% death of other cells after one week.
Identified that six specific building blocks in the Tat protein are essential for binding to Tar RNA, which is important for understanding HIV's interaction with its genetic material.
Found evidence of an oncogene in laryngeal cancer cells that may enhance cancerous transformation and changes through a serial passage in mouse cells.
Demonstrated that oncogenes are consistently present in squamous cell cancers of the head and neck, potentially leading to improved treatments based on these findings.
Frequently asked questions
Does Dr. Loewenstein study HIV-related conditions?
Yes, he studies how HIV affects the brain, particularly through a protein known as Tat.
What types of cancer does Dr. Loewenstein research?
He researches laryngeal cancer and squamous cell cancers of the head and neck, focusing on the genetic factors that lead to these diseases.
How could Dr. Loewenstein’s work help cancer patients?
His work on oncogenes could lead to better understanding and development of more effective treatments for patients with head and neck cancers.
Publications in plain English
Neurotoxicity of the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 tat transactivator to PC12 cells requires the Tat amino acid 49-58 basic domain.
1995
Journal of neuroscience research
Weeks BS, Lieberman DM, Johnson B, Roque E, Green M +3 more
Plain English This study looked at how a protein from HIV-1, called Tat, can harm brain cells. Researchers found that when they infused Tat into the brains of rats, it caused significant damage, leading to dysfunction in movement and cell death in brain tissue. They measured that a dose of 5 micrograms/ml of Tat was enough to kill all of certain nerve cells within 24 hours, while 90% of other cells died after a week at a slightly higher amount.
Who this helps: This research helps scientists and doctors understand how HIV affects the brain, which can lead to better treatment for patients with HIV-related neurological issues.
Mapping of HIV-1 Tat protein sequences required for binding to Tar RNA.
1991
Virology
Kamine J, Loewenstein P, Green M
Plain English This research looked at how a protein called Tat from the HIV-1 virus connects to a specific part of RNA known as Tar RNA. They found that a small part of the Tat protein, containing six specific building blocks, is essential for this connection, and that adding extra random building blocks can make the binding more specific. This is important because it helps us understand how HIV interacts with its genetic material and could lead to better strategies for targeting the virus.
Who this helps: This benefits researchers working on HIV treatments and therapies.
Oncogenes: their presence and significance in squamous cell cancer of the head and neck.
1985
The Laryngoscope
Friedman WH, Rosenblum BN, Loewenstein P, Thornton H, Katsantonis G +1 more
Plain English This study looked at DNA from squamous cell cancers in the larynx and tongue to find specific genes that can make normal cells turn into cancerous ones. The researchers found that these cancer-causing genes have been consistently present and seem to become more effective at creating cancerous cells when tested multiple times. This matters because identifying these oncogenes can help in understanding how these cancers develop and could lead to better treatments.
Who this helps: This helps patients with head and neck cancers.
Oncogenes in laryngeal cancer: serial passage of transformed cellular DNA.
1985
Otolaryngology--head and neck surgery : official journal of American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
Friedman WH, Rosenblum BN, Loewenstein P, Thornton H, Katsantonis G +1 more
Plain English This study looked at DNA from laryngeal cancer cells and passed it through mouse cells to see how it changed. Researchers found that this process made the cancer DNA more effective at transforming cells, suggesting that they might have identified an oncogene, which is a gene that can cause cancer. In the second round of testing, they saw clearer patterns in the DNA that hinted at the presence of this oncogene, meaning they might be closer to understanding the genetic changes involved in laryngeal cancer.
Who this helps: This helps researchers and doctors who are working to improve treatments for laryngeal cancer patients.
Oncogenes: preliminary studies in head and neck cancer.
1983
The Laryngoscope
Friedman WH, Rosenblum B, Loewenstein P, Thornton H, Katsantonis G +1 more
Plain English This study looked at DNA from head and neck cancers, specifically tumors from the larynx, base of the tongue, and nasopharynx, taken from patients. Researchers found that when this DNA was introduced into mouse cells, it caused these cells to become cancerous, producing aggressive tumors. The presence of human DNA sequences in these tumors indicates that certain genes related to cancer may be active in head and neck cancers, which could lead to better understanding and treatment options.
Who this helps: This research benefits cancer patients and doctors seeking more effective treatments for head and neck cancers.