CONTACT INFORMATIONCREDENTIALSPUBLICATIONSRussell Hilf, Ph.D.Contact InformationPhone NumbersOffice: (585) 275-3085Fax: (585) 271-2683LocationsUniversity of Rochester Medical CenterSchool of Medicine and Dentistry601 Elmwood Ave, Box 712Rochester, NY 14642Faculty AppointmentsProfessor Emeritus - Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics (SMD) BiographyResearchHormone action is mediated by specific cell receptors, resulting in a variety of metabolic responses and/or growth. A number of hormones are implicated in the etiology and growth of mammary cancer. Our studies are directed towards elucidation of the roles of estrogens and antiestrogens, insulin and insulin-like growth factors (IGFS) as regulators of neoplastic growth. By utilizing well characterized rodent models, in vivo and in vitro, experiments are designed to gain understanding of these regulatory actions. Mechanism of action of estrogens and antiestrogens is being studied by defining the nucleotide requirements for binding of estrogen and antiestrogen activated estrogen receptor with their DNA regulatory element (ERE) and by transfection assays. Estrogen response depends on the expression level of one or both estrogen receptor (ER) isoforms, alpha and beta, and the concentration and type of ER-ligands. Our goal is to understand how these factors contribute to the level of induction characteristic of a particular gene. We have now established that insulin affects tumor growth and regulation, both directly and in a permissive role. We have examined insulin and estrogen receptors, how they are regulated by hormones and how such regulation relates to changes in tumor growth behavior. A second active area of study is to define the mechanisms whereby tumor cytotoxicity ensues photoradiation therapy, a treatment approach that employs hematoporphyrin photosensitizers followed by exposure of tumors to visible light. The singlet oxygen produced is cytotoxic. We reported that important cellular targets are several mitochondrial respiratory enzymes, leading to reduced ATP production. Current aims are to elucidate these actions and to evolve methods to optimize therapeutic efficacy. The role of estrogenic and antiestrogenic agents in altering production of protoporphyrin IX from 5-aminolevulinic acid and the actions of new synthetic porphyrin derivatives are ongoing projects aimed at improving PDT outcome.CredentialsEducation1952BS | Cuny City CollegeChemistry1953MS | Rutgers State UniversityBiochemistry1955PhD | Rutgers State UniversityBiochemistryPublicationsJournal Articles5/2008Li X, Nott SL, Huang Y, Hilf R, Bambara RA, Qiu X, Yakovlev A, Welle S, Muyan M. "Gene expression profiling reveals that the regulation of estrogen-responsive element-independent genes by 17 beta-estradiol-estrogen receptor beta is uncoupled from the induction of phenotypic changes in cell models." Journal of molecular endocrinology.. 2008 May; 40(5):211-29. 2/2007Hilf R. "Mitochondria are targets of photodynamic therapy." Journal of bioenergetics and biomembranes.. 2007 Feb; 39(1):85-9. 2006Huang J, Li X, Qiao T, Bambara RA, Hilf R, Muyan M. "A tale of two estrogen receptors (ERs): how differential ER-estrogen responsive element interactions contribute to subtype-specific transcriptional responses." Nuclear receptor signaling. 2006 4:e015. Epub 2006 Jul 07. VIEW ALL PUBLICATIONSClose WindowSchedule an appointment with Russell Hilf, Ph.D.Please answer the following questions to help us find the right appointment for you.Important: If you believe that you have a medical or psychiatric emergency, please call 911 or go to the nearest hospital. This website is not intended for emergency care.Have you seen this provider in the last 2 years?YesNoExisting Patient Schedule or request a follow up appointment online through MyChart. If you do not have a MyChart account, please close this window and call the appointment phone number. Russell Hilf, Ph.D. is currently scheduling for the following appointment type(s): Our policy does not permit patients to establish care with multiple providers within the same practice or specialty without prior approval. If you choose a new provider in the same office, we will cancel the appointment. Please contact the office directly with questions on this policy.