Education
B.A.—1964 Miami University, Oxford, Ohio
M.S.—1968 University of Wisconsin
Ph.D.—1969 University of Wisconsin
Postdoctorate 1969–1974
Field
Cell biology, steroid hormones, and cancer therapy
Interests
Research in my laboratory has long centered on understanding the role of hormones in breast cancer. Our model system for these studies is the human breast cancer cell line MCF-7. These cells are very useful at two levels. We have used them in basic studies on the mechanisms of action of estrogens and antiestrogens, especially Tamoxifen. More recently we have begun to look at the synergism between antiestrogens and retinoids—derivatives of vitamin A.
A second area of research is on the interaction of insulin with its receptor. Specifically we are studying the activity of phosphorylated insulins and the possibility that cells may respond to them differently than they do to the insulins currently in use.
Finally, I am developing an increasing interest in ants after having used them in recruiting efforts and in the laboratory portion of our non-majors biology course. I was able to take “The Ant Course” in Portal, AZ in the summer of 2003 where I started learning ant taxonomy. Although still more of a hobby than a serious research program, I think this is an area in which interested undergraduate students could carry out research that would be interesting and require less technical background, skills, and equipment than my research on antiestrogens and insulin does.
Publications
Butler, W.B. and J.A. Fontana. 1992. Responses to retinoic acid of tamoxifen - sensitive and - resistant sublines of human breast cancer cell line MCF-7. Cancer Res. 52:6164-6167.
Butler, W.B. and W.H. Kelsey. 1988. Effects of tamoxifen on synchronized cultures of the human breast cancer cell line MCF-7. Breast Cancer Res. Treat. 11:37-43.
