Diversity in Life Sciences

My laboratory utilizes approaches from tumor biology, biochemistry, mathematical modeling and metabolomics to discover new and effective ways of detecting and treating prostate cancer. We are particularly interested in the transmembrane peptidase biomarker prostate specific membrane antigen (PSMA) and its role in detection and management of prostate cancer as well as its molecular role in disease progression. PSMA is a folate hydrolase encoded by the FOLH1 gene that is expressed at low levels on the cell surface of normal prostate epithelium and other organs, and is progressively and specifically upregulated in approximately 80% of primary PC tumors where it correlates negatively with prognosis. Current research projects involve: 1) defining PSMAs role in signal transduction pathway switching in prostate cancer; 2) exploring the functional contributions of prostate cancer-associated SNPs in the gene encoding PSMA, FOLH1, in African American men from NCI GMaP region 4; 3) mathematical modeling of PSMA and in glutamate addiction and prostate cancer progression. These studies may lead not only lead to the development of novel therapeutic strategies in the treatment of and detection of prostate cancer by preventing the progression, metastasis, and vascularization of tumors but since cancer is one of the most common diseases worldwide, this research is an important tool for researchers, clinicians, policy makers, and citizens in understanding this disease.