Department of Zoology

Paul A. Harding
Associate Professor
Ph.D. Ohio University, 1994
growth hormone, growth factors
Office:
112 LVH
150 PSN 		Phone:
727-3447
529-3187 		Email:
hardinpa@muohio.edu 		Office Hours:
  Monday . . . .
  Tuesday . . . .
  Wednesday . .
  Thursday. . . .
  Friday. . . . . . Others by appt.

Biographical Information:

Paul Harding is a molecular and cellular biologist who is interested elucidating the in vivo roles of heparin-binding EGF-like growth factor (HB-EGF). HB-EGF is a member of the epidermal growth factor (EGF) family and is a potent mitogen and chemotactic factor for epithelial cells, fibroblasts, and smooth muscle cells. HB-EGF binds to and activates the EGF receptor (HER1) as well as at least one EGFR subtype (HER4). HB-EGF is synthesized as a membrane-bound protein that undergoes “shedding” to yield a soluble form. HB-EGF has been implicated both in pathological processes and normal physiological processes such as:

Tumor formation, Atherosclerosis, Wound healing

Dr. Harding’s research group utilizes molecular techniques in order to assess HB-EGF activity including DNA cloning, mammalian tissue culture, Western, Southern, and Northern Blotting, DNA sequencing, and DNA mutagenesis. Currently, our group is developing both an HB-EGF transgenic mouse and an HB-EGF “Knock-In” mouse using the cre-loxp methodology.



Courses Taught:

  1. Principles of Biology (ZOO 114)
  2. Human Physiology (ZOO 161)
  3. Genetics (ZOO 342)


Recent Publications:

  1. A.P. Provenzano, G.E. Besner, P.F. James, and P.A. Harding (2005) Heparin-binding EGF-like growth factor (HB-EGF) overexpression in transgenic mice downregulates insulin-like growth factor binding protein (IGFBP)-3 and -4 mRNA. Growth Factors 23(1):19-31.

  2. R.K. Cribbs, P.A. Harding, M.H. Luquette, and G.E. Besner. (2002) Endogenous Production of Heparin-Binding EGF-Like Growth Factor During Murine Partial-Thickness Burn Wound Healing. J. Burn Care & Rehab. 23(2):116-125.

  3. P.A. Harding, K.M. Davis-Fleischer, M.A. Crissman-Combs, M.T. Miller, D.R. Brigstock and G.E. Besner (1999) Induction of Anchoraghe-Independent Growth by Heparin-Binding EGF-like Growth Factor. Growth Factors 17:49-61.

  4. P.A. Harding, G. Surveyor, and D.R. Brigstock (1998) Characterization of Pig Connective Tissue Growth Factor (CTGF) cDNA, mRNA, and Protein from Uterine Tissue. DNA Sequence 8(6):385-390.

  5. D.R. Brigstock, C.L. Steffen, G.Y. Kim, R.K. Vegunta, J.R. Diehl, and P.A. Harding (1997) Purification and Characterization of Novel Heparin-Binding Growth Factors in Uterine Secretory Fluids. J. Biol. Chem. 272:20275-20282.