Scientific Advisor to the Under Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs, SFVAMC
Adjunct Professor of Medicine, UCSF

Email: millie.hughes-fuldford@va.gov

Dr. Hughes-Fulford has published research indicating that human tumors in mice fed diets high in omega-6 fatty acids have increased levels of cox-2 and cPLA2, which are proteins known to be responsible for increased prostate tumor growth. She has published data showing that the omega-6 fatty acids cause faster tumor cell growth and increase growth associated gene expression through a PI3K mechanism. When mice with tumors are fed high omega-6 fatty acid diets, the tumors grow faster.

Dr. Hughes-Fulford was a member of the first dedicated medical mission with NASA, and is the only VA scientist-astronaut. Her research in area of space biology focuses on the physical mechanisms by which the T-cell - an essential component of the immune system - responds to gravity. Dr. Hughes-Fulford identified the genes induced during normal immune response, and has shown that it is highly likely that zero gravity affects these genes in a way that prevents T-cell activation. Such studies will advance understanding of the human immune system in health and disease and give insight into the fundamental biological laws governing Earth's gravity-based life. Dr. Hughes-Fulford also studies bone growth and has received a significant grant to study methods of rapid repair and healing of injured bone.

Hughes-Fulford M, Rodenacker K, Jütting U. 2006. Reduction of anabolic signals and alteration of osteoblast nuclear morphology in microgravity. J Cell Biochem 99(2):435-49.

Chang T and Hughes-Fulford M. 2008. Monolayer and spheroid culture of HepG2 cells demonstrate distinct global gene expression patterns and functional phenotypes. Tissue Eng Part A 14:1-9.