We are using cell fusion as a tool to understand tumor progression, and we are identifying cancers in which illicit fusion as a process contributes to tumorigenesis.

We are performing exosome biology to understand tumor-host communication and to devise sensitive and noninvasive diagnostic tools.

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Our laboratory's mission is to contribute to reducing cancer incidence. We do so with two foci in basic molecular pathology. One is to develop methods for early detection of abnormal cells using sensitive and noninvasive methods. The other focus is to understand the process of malignant conversion of tumors.

Early Detection

Malignant Conversion

Micrograph of exosomes released from human primary cells. Exosomes are nano-vesicles of defined protein and RNA composition. They are released from most human cells in culture, and they can be found in our blood, saliva, urine, and milk. Micrograph by Steven Hearn (CSHL) and Dominik Duelli.

2 murine embryonic fibroblasts fusing, and probed with SKY-probes. Picture by Dr. Hesed Padilla-Nash and Dr. Thomas Ried (NIH/NCI)

Cancer deaths, including mortality due to breast cancer can be prevented by early detection. We are developing a method that is non-invasive and sensitive for early diagnosis of abnormal mammary epithelia. We are developing this method to detect neoplasms by miRNA profiling of vesicles that are released from mammary epithelia into body fluids. This project is supported by the Department of Defense Breast Cancer Research Program (BCRP).

The pathology of pre-malignant tumor progression into solid cancers is often marked by a transient tetraploidization event. We are conducting research to understand the causes tetraploidization, and how tetraploidization contributes to cancer development, with the ultimate aim to find therapies to prevent tumor progression. This project is supported by the Illinois Chapter of the American Cancer Society.