Researchers at UCSF have developed a novel and efficient genetic high throughput screening system for discovery of small molecule modulators that either activate or inhibit K2P potassium channel activity. Such modulators could be used for treating diseases such as chronic pain, depression, and also to modulate responses to general anesthesia.

Currently there is a lack of information and models for understanding human prostate cancer progression. Most models currently available only allow for comparison of tumorigenic versus non-tumorigenic states. UCSF investigators have developed a series of human prostatic epithelial cell lines that encompass the range of prostate cancer progression. These cells are derived from the parental BPH-1 non-tumorigenic immortalized human prostatic epithelial cell line (see References below) using tissue recombination methods. Upon hormonal treatment, the cells exhibited either non-tumorigenicity, tumorigenicity, epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT), and metastasis. Progression uniquely occurs in initiated but non-tumorgenic epithelial cells and has been characterized by histopathological criteria, tumor mass size, and associated changes in expression of gene products.