CSB Faculty

Robert J. Klebe, Ph.D.
Professor

Yale University, 1970

(210) 567-3825
KLEBE@UTHSCSA.EDU

Dr. Klebe is a lecturer in Cell Biology Core Course II and Medical Gross Anatomy. He supervises the writing of the library paper required of all first year graduate students. He serves on the editorial board of BioTechniques and the Journal of Dental Research, and is a regular members of the NIH Oral Biology 2 study section.

Our laboratory is interested in the control of morphogenesis by homeobox genes. The homeobox genes provide the highest level of control during embryonic development and aging. While the molecular genetics of the homeobox genes is now well established, the genes controlled by the homeobox genes are currently unknown. We are currently testing a new theory, proposed by Gerald Edelman, that postulates that the homeobox genes primarily regulate the expression of cell adhesion proteins and their receptors. Studies are also in progress on the role of matrix metalloproteinases during development and metastatic processes. We are particularly interested in the role of MMP-8 (neutrophil collagenase) in melanoma metastasis.

We are also interested in a new area, termed tissue engineering. Tissue engineering involves creating tissues and organs from cultured cells. We have developed a computerized technique, termed cytoscription, that permits one to microposition cells within a cell diameter on any substratum.

PUBLICATIONS:
Giambernardi, T.A., Sakaguchi, A.Y., Rodeck, U., Gluhak, J., Pavlin, D., Troyer, D.A. and Klebe, R.J. (2000). MMP-8 (Collagenase-2), the first fibillar collagen expressed during development, is found in cells of neural crest origin and their tumors. (in press).

Grant, G.M., Giambernardi, T.A., Grant, A.M., Wenzel, M. and Klebe, R.J. (1999). Expression of MMP-17, MMP-18 and MMP-20 in cultured cells. Matrix 18:145-148.

Klebe, R.J. (1999). System and method for the rapid positioning of cells on a substratum. Regents of the University of Texas System. (5,900,361 May 4, 1999)(US Patent).

Giambernardi, T.A., Grant, G.M., Maher, V.M., McCormick, J.J., Taylor, G.P., and Klebe, R.J. (1998) Overview of matrix metalloproteinase expression in cultured human cells. Matrix Biology, 16:483-496.

Klebe, R.J., Grant, G.M., Grant, A.M., Garcia, M.A. and Giambernardi, T.A. (1998) RT-PCR without RNA isolation. In: P.D. Siebert and J.W. Karrick (eds.), Gene Cloning and Analysis by TR-PCR, Eaton Publishing.