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University of Miami >> Miller School of Medicine >> Office of Graduate Studies >> Faculty Research >> Cancer Biology

Cancer Biology
Faculty MemberContact
Tatjana  Abaffy, Ph.D. Tatjana Abaffy, Ph.D.
Research Assistant Professor
Research Summary

Olfaction, olfactory receptors and ligands
Cancer cell biology and metabolism

305-243-4468 (ph)
305-243-4555 (fax)
Rosenstiel Medical Science Building 6140A
email 
Mansoor M Ahmed, Ph.D. Mansoor M Ahmed, Ph.D.
Professor, Department of Radiation Oncology
Research Summary
Dr Ahmed's laboratory focuses on several projects in a multi-faceted approach, employing various novel strategies with the goal of increasing the therapeutic ratio through two broad areas: (1) the manipulation of tumor control by modulating the processes that control cell cycle and apoptosis; and (2) the reduction of normal tissue morbidity by applying the emerging information on the molecular mechanistic basis of radiation/chemotherapeutic sensitivity.
(570) 214-3972 (ph)
(570) 214-9861 (fax)
email 
Samita S Andreansky, Ph.D. Samita S Andreansky, Ph.D.
Research Assistant Professor of Pediatrics
Research Summary
We study the consequences of immune suppression on adaptive immunity using both viral and tumor specific models. Our goal is to design effective vaccines against breast cancer and pathogens such as influenza and herpes viruses.
305-243-4896 (ph)
Room 740, Batchelor Children's Research Institute
 
Michael H. Antoni, Ph.D. Michael H. Antoni, Ph.D.
Professor, Psychology and Psychiatry
 
Glen N Barber, Ph.D. Glen N Barber, Ph.D.
Professor of Medicine, Eugenia J. Dodson Chair in Cancer Research, and Associate Director of Basic Science
Research Summary
"Our laboratory is interested in understanding mechanisms of innate immunity to viral infection and malignant disease. Gaining insight into mechanisms of the innate immune process affords the opportunity of developing translational research programs involving the design of novel vaccines and therapeutics, to combat disease."
305-243-5914 (ph)
Room 511, Papanicolaou Cancer Research Building
 
Julio C. Barredo, M.D. Julio C. Barredo, M.D.
Director, Pediatric Hematology-Oncology
Research Summary
Toppel Family Professor of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology Pediatric Oncology, Bone arrow and stem cell transplantation, Childhood brain and spinal tumors, Pediatric sickle cell disease.
305-585-5635 (ph)
305-325-8387 (fax)
 
Lisa  Baumbach-Reardon, Ph.D. Lisa Baumbach-Reardon, Ph.D.
Associate Research Professor, Department of Pediatrics
Research Summary
We have two major projects in our laboratory. The first project involves the discovery earlier this year of the disease gene for a rare infantile neurodegenerative disorder, X-linked spinal muscular atrophy. The second project focuses on the genetic basis of breast cancer in women of African ancestry.
305-243-3997 (ph)
Room 6020, Mailman Center for Child Development
 
Nanette  Bishopric, M.D., F.A.C.C. Nanette Bishopric, M.D., F.A.C.C.
Professor of Pharmacology and Medicine
Research Summary
"Cardiac myocyte growth and death, transcriptional and post-transcriptional control of cell growth"
305-243-6775 (ph)
305-243-6082 (fax)
Rosenstiel Medical Sciences Building 6038
email 
John  Bixby, Ph.D. John Bixby, Ph.D.
Professor, Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, Associate Dean for Graduate Studies, and Director, UM Neuroscience Center
Research Summary
Research in the lab is focused on axon growth and guidance during development and regeneration
305-243-4874 (ph)
305-243-3921 (fax)
Lois Pope LIFE Center 4-17
email 
Karoline  Briegel, Ph.D. Karoline Briegel, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. Braman Breast Cancer Institute.
Research Summary
"Transcription factors in normal and cancerous stem cell development with focus on cardiogenesis, mammogenesis and breast cancer."
(305) 243-4770 (ph)
(305) 243-9249 (fax)
email 
Kerry  Burnstein, Ph.D. Kerry Burnstein, Ph.D.
Professor of Molecular & Cellular Pharmacology and Cancer Biology Graduate Program Director
Research Summary
"My lab studies steroid hormone action in endocrine cancers. In particular, we focus on androgen and vitamin D regulation of oncogenesis in the prostate."
305-243-5732 (ph)
305-243-4555 (fax)
Rosenstiel Medical Sciences Building 6160
email 
Anthony J. Capobianco, Ph.D. Anthony J. Capobianco, Ph.D.
Director, Molecular Oncology Research Program, Division of Surgical Oncology
Research Summary
Molecular mechanisms of Tumorigenesis. Notch Signaling, mouse models of tumorigenesis. Cancer stem cells and pathway cross talk.
(305) 243-6308 (ph)
Room 1019B, Rosenstiel Medical Sciences Building
email 
Coralie  Carraway, Ph.D. Coralie Carraway, Ph.D.
Professor, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Research Summary
"Molecular mechanisms for the regulation of normal cell differentiation, proliferation, apoptosis/ survival and their aberrancies in disease states, primarily cancer"
(305) 243-5759 (ph)
Papanicolau Building - 311
email 
Zhibin  Chen, M.D., Ph.D. Zhibin Chen, M.D., Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Microbiology & Immunology
Research Summary
Our research program focuses on mechanisms of immune tolerance and its application to type 1 diabetes and islet transplantations.
305-243-8348 (ph)
305-243-5522 (fax)
Room 3035 (Office), 3039A (Lab) Rosenstiel Medical Sciences Building
email 
Gennaro  D'Urso, Ph.D. Gennaro D'Urso, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Molecular & Cellular Pharmacology; Dr. John T. MacDonald Foundation Center for Medical Genetics faculty member
Research Summary
Associate Professor of Molecular & Cellular Pharmacology; Dr. John T. MacDonald Foundation Center for Medical Genetics faculty member
305-243-3105 (ph)
305-243-4555 (fax)
Rosenstiel Medical Sciences Building, 7151A
email 
Dorraya  El-Ashry, Ph.D. Dorraya El-Ashry, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Internal Medicine
Research Summary
Mechanisms underlying the etiology of ER-negative vs ER-positive breast cancer and studies aimed at re-expressing ER in ER-negative tumors leading to clinical trials.
(305) 243-4721 (ph)
email 
Amjad  Farooq, Ph.D. DIC Amjad Farooq, Ph.D. DIC
Assistant Professor, Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Research Summary

Structural Energetics & Kinetics

305-243-2429 (ph)
305-243-2429 (fax)
Gautier Building 214
email 
Terace M. Fletcher , Ph.D. Terace M. Fletcher , Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Research Summary

The Role of Chromatin Structure in Genome Stability

(305) 243-6297 (ph)
(305) 243-3955 (fax)
email 
Elizabeth J. Franzmann, M.D. Elizabeth J. Franzmann, M.D.
Assistant Professor of Otolaryngology
Research Summary
"Our lab is investigating methods to better detect and treat head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. We are using molecular biology techniques to develop a simple and inexpensive early detection test and are investigating how the stem cell marker, CD44, is involved in HNSCC progression."
(305) 243-5955 (ph)
Room 1513, Clinical Research Building
email 
Nevis L. Fregien, Ph.D. Nevis L. Fregien, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Cell Biology & Anatomy
Research Summary

Control of Cell Differentiation Regulation of Gene Expression

(305) 243-6941 (ph)
(305) 545-7166 (fax)
RMSB, Room 4110
email 
Eli  Gilboa, Ph.D. Eli Gilboa, Ph.D.
Dodson Professor of Microbiology and Immunology, Director, Dodson Interdisciplinary Immunotherapy Institute, Co-leader, Tumor Immunology Research Program, UM/Sylvester Cancer Center
Research Summary
Cancer immunotherapy. Immune modulation using oligonucleotide aptamer-targeted delivery of therapeutic agents, aptamers, siRNAs, cytotoxic drugs, to tumor cells or immune cells.
305-243-1767 (ph)
305-243-4409 (fax)
Room 211, Papanicolaou Cancer Research Building
 
Feng  Gong, Ph.D. Feng Gong, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Research Summary

To understand the mechanisms of chromatin dynamics during DNA .

(305) 243-9270 (ph)
(305) 243-3955 (fax)
email 
James D. Guest, M.D., Ph.D. James D. Guest, M.D., Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Neurological Surgery
Research Summary
Glial cell transplantation to repair long tract injury in primates. Dedifferentiation of neuroblastoma in reponse to hypoxia
305-243-6946 (ph)
Lois Pope LIFE Center 5-17
email 
Abigail  Hackam, Ph.D. Abigail Hackam, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, Ophthalmology
Research Summary
Cellular mechanisms of photoreceptor degeneration and survival; Signaling pathways regulating ocular tumorigenesis and tumor stem cell proliferation.
(305) 243-9270 (ph)
(305) 243-3955 (fax)
McKnight Vision Research Center - 407
email 
Edward W. Harhaj, Ph.D. Edward W. Harhaj, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Microbiology and Immunology
Research Summary
Mechanisms of human T cell leukemia virus type I (HTLV-I) oncogenesis. Negative regulation of NF-kB and inflammation.
305-243-7893 (ph)
305-243-6410 (fax)
Room 503, Papanicolaou Building
email 
(T. K.) Thomas K. Harris, Ph.D. (T. K.) Thomas K. Harris, Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Research Summary

Understand mechanisms of action and regulation of multi-domain protein kinases

(305) 243-3358 (ph)
(305) 243-3955 (fax)
email 
Jennifer J. Hu, Ph.D. Jennifer J. Hu, Ph.D.
Professor, Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Associate Director, Division of Cancer Prevention and Control, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center
305-243-3356 (ph)
305-243-2997 (fax)
Clinical Research Building, Room 1511
email 
Roland  Jurecic, Ph.D. Roland Jurecic, Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Microbiology and Immunology
Research Summary
"The research in the laboratory focuses on the study of: (1) molecular pathways that regulate self-renewal, activation and differentiation of hematopoietic stem cells and progenitors, (2) molecular pathways supporting self-renewal and differentiation of cancer stem cells, and (3) stem cell transformation and leukemogenesis."
305- 243-6002 (ph)
305-243-4409 (fax)
Room 314, Papanicolaou Building
email 
Wasif  Khan, Ph.D. Wasif Khan, Ph.D.
Professor of Microbiology and Immunology
Research Summary

"We study molecular mechanisms of normal and abnormal growth and survival of B lymphocytes, which is important for understanding lymphocyte development and causes of autoimmune diseases and lymphomagenesis. Our studies include immune responses, BCR, BAFF-R, TLR signal transduction as well as role of cytoskeleton in immunoreceptor signaling and lymphocyte activation."

305-243-5694 (ph)
305-243-4623 (fax)
Room 3147A, Rosenstiel Medical Sciences Building
email 
Mary Lou  King, Ph.D. Mary Lou King, Ph.D.
Professor of Cell Biology & Anatomy
Research Summary
Cell fate determination in the early Xenopus embryo with special emphasis on genetic mechanisms that preserve stem (germ) cell totipotency and promote cell migration.
(305)243-5643 (ph)
(305)243-5837 (fax)
RMSB room 4008
email 
Theodore J. Lampidis, Ph.D. Theodore J. Lampidis, Ph.D.
Professor of Cell Biology & Anatomy & Member of Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center
Research Summary
Cellular Pharmocology, Cardiotoxicity, Anticancer drugs
(305) 243-4846 (ph)
email 
Ralf  Landgraf, Ph.D. Ralf Landgraf, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Research Summary
Molecular control and manipulation of cell surface receptor signaling with a focus on ERBB2 and ERBB3 receptors. Special emphasis is placed on the role of the macromolecular context in which signaling occurs, its organizing principles and consequences of and opportunities for perturbation.
(305) 243-5815 (ph)
(305) 243-3955 (fax)
Gautier 316
 
Robert B. Levy, Ph.D. Robert B. Levy, Ph.D.
Professor of Microbiology and Immunology
Research Summary
We are interested in understanding how T lymphocytes: a) control the process of hematopoietic progenitor cell engraftment following marrow / blood transplantation and b) mediate anti-tumor immunity against malignancies in individuals post-transplant.
305-243-4542 (ph)
305-243-8595 (fax)
Room 720, McKnight Building
email 
Mathias G. Lichtenheld, M.D. Mathias G. Lichtenheld, M.D.
Associate Professor of Microbiology and Immunology
Research Summary
We are interested in the signals and mechanisms of gene regulation that are critical for killer lymphocytes to defeat pathogens.
305-243-3301 (ph)
305- 243-7211 (fax)
Room 738 (office), Room 708 (lab), Batchelor Children's Research Institute
email 
Marc  Lippman, M.D. Marc Lippman, M.D.
Kathleen and Stanley Glaser Professor of Medicine
Research Summary
molecular mechanisms of control of breast cancer growth and malignant behavior
(305) 243-9120 (ph)
(305) 243-9124 (fax)
email 
Irene  Litosch, Ph.D. Irene Litosch, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Molecular & Cellular Pharmacology.
Research Summary
"We study how intracellular mediators interact to regulate signal output by G protein coupled receptors (GPCR). Understanding how GPCR signaling is regulated, in health and disease, can lead to new therapeutic strategies."
305-243-5862 (ph)
305-243-4555 (fax)
Rosenstiel Medical Sciences Building 6088
email 
Bal  Lokeshwar, Ph.D. Bal Lokeshwar, Ph.D.
Professor/Co-Director Urology Research
Research Summary
"Functions of chemokines and pro-inflammatory factors in tumor progression, hormone-independence and metastasis. Development of natrually occuring compounds in herbs and spices for chemoprevention and therapy."
(305) 243-6591 (ph)
Dominion Tower, 5th fl.
email 
Vinata B. Lokeshwar, Ph.D. Vinata B. Lokeshwar, Ph.D.
Professor of Urology and Cell Biology & Anatomy
Research Summary
Basic and Translational Research in Cancer:  Biomarkers and Therapeutics
(305)243-6321 (ph)
Rosenstiel Medical Sciences Bldg., Room 8096
email 
Izidore  Lossos, M.D. Izidore Lossos, M.D.
Professor of Medicine and Director Lymphoma Program
Research Summary
We are studying pathogenesis of lymphoma and biological processes in normal B cells
305-243-6787 (ph)
305-243-4785 (fax)
Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, D8-4
email 
Jaime  Merchan, M.D., MMSc Jaime Merchan, M.D., MMSc
Assistant Professor of Clinical Medicine
Research Summary
"My research interests include tumor angiogenesis, development of novel vascular targeted therapies for cancer, and identification of tumor and blood angiogenesis biomarkers that may serve as predictive or monitoring tools for cancer patients during treatment"
305-243-4909 (ph)
305-243-9161 (fax)
 
Enrique A. Mesri, Ph.D. Enrique A. Mesri, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Microbiology and Immunology
Research Summary
"Molecular, cellular and genetic mechanisms of viral carcinogenesis of Kaposi sarcoma. Activation of tumor angiogenesis and genetic instability by the Kaposi sarcoma herpesvirus/ KSHV."
305-243-5659 (ph)
305-243-8309 (fax)
Room 109 (office) Papanicolaou Building
email 
Carlos T. Moraes, Ph.D. Carlos T. Moraes, Ph.D.
Professor, Neurology and Cell Biology and Anatomy
Research Summary
Human Genetics; Molecular pathogenesis of disease-related mitochondrial DNA mutations
(305)243-5858 (ph)
(305)243-3914 (fax)
Lois Pope LIFE Center 3-17
email 
Peter  Mundel, M.D. Peter Mundel, M.D.
Professor of Medicine and Cell Biology & Anatomy; Chief, Division of Molecular Medicine; Vice Chair for Research, Department of Medicine
Research Summary
- The synaptopodin family of actin-associated proteins in health and disease
- Cell biology and pathology of kidney podocytes
(305) 243-2360 (ph)
(305) 243-4338 (fax)
Batchelor Bldg. 6th Fl, Room 626
email 
Zafar  Nawaz, Ph.D. Zafar Nawaz, Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Research Summary
Understand the mechanisms of steroid hormone receptor and coactivator action in normal and cancerous tissues.
 
 
(305) 243-1456 (ph)
Room 425, Batchelor Children's Research Institute
 
Mark D. Pegram, M.D. Mark D. Pegram, M.D.
Professor, Medicine
Research Summary
Understanding the molecular pathways that regulate how HER-2 signals cell growth.Development of novel therapeutics and other novel antibody and chemotherapy combination therapies for breast cancer
(305) 243-4909 (ph)
email 
Eckhard R. Podack, M.D., Ph.D. Eckhard R. Podack, M.D., Ph.D.
Professor and Chair of Microbiology and Immunology
Research Summary

"Basic immunological mechanisms, immunotherapy, cancer immunology, mucosal immunology; cytotoxic mechanisms. Colitis, asthma, antibiotic resistance"

305-243-6694 (ph)
305-243-5522 (fax)
Room 3045D, Rosenstiel Medical Sciences Building
email 
Priyamvada  Rai, Ph.D. Priyamvada Rai, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, Medicine
Research Summary
Modulation of cellular redox status to enhance activation of tumor suppressor pathways in cancer cells
(305) 575-3388 (ph)
email 
Richard L. Riley, Ph.D. Richard L. Riley, Ph.D.
Professor, Microbiology and Immunology
Research Summary
"The research in the Riley laboratory focuses upon the molecular and cellular regulation of B lymphocyte development. In particular, the processes that down-regulate immune functions in old age and other conditions of immunodeficiency are under study."
305-243-2644 (ph)
305-243-8595 (fax)
Room 727, McKnight Building
email 
Joseph D. Rosenblatt, M.D. Joseph D. Rosenblatt, M.D.
William Harrington Professor of Medicine, Microbiology and Immunology and Chief of the Division of Hematology/Oncology
Research Summary
"Research into human gene therapy, anti-angiogenic and immune therapy applications for cancer including the design of novel antibody fusion proteins"
305-243-4860 (ph)
305-243-9161 (fax)
 
Niramol  Savaraj, M.D. Niramol Savaraj, M.D.
Professor of Medicine
Research Summary
"mTOR signaling, autophagy and drug resistance in lung cancer. The second project is on arginine deprivation as targeted therapy in tumors which do not express argininosuccinate synthetase."
(305) 575-3143 (ph)
email 
Michael S. Schmale, Ph.D. Michael S. Schmale, Ph.D.
Professor, Marine Biology and Fisheries
Research Summary
"Development and study of aquatic animal models of disease processes, with an emphasis on cancer. Current research programs include: (1) studies of a unique virus-like agent which causes peripheral nervous system and pigment cell tumors in bicolor damselfish on Florida reefs, (2) vector design and optimization of transgenesis in zebrafish, (3) investigation of the effects of toxins from harmful agal blooms using zebrafish and (4) health and husbandry of California sea hares, Aplysia californica, used in neurobiological research."
305-421-4140 (ph)
305-421-4600 (fax)
Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science
email 
Sean  Scully, M.D., Ph.D. Sean Scully, M.D., Ph.D.
Professor of Orthopaedics , Chief of Joint Replacement
Research Summary
The focus of our research is on the cell matrix interaction and how this impacts on cancer metastasis. Specifically there are project on integrin mediated Smad signaling and collagenase mediated tumor cell egress
305-325-4683 (ph)
305-325-4784 (fax)
UM Hospital, 4th Floor
email 
Rakesh  Singal, M.D. Rakesh Singal, M.D.
Associate Professor of Medicine/Hematology/Oncology
Research Summary
Dr. Singal’s research focuses on the epigenetic mechanisms that inactivate certain tumor-suppressor genes in prostate cancer and designing clinical trials based on lab research.
305-243-4909 (ph)
305-243-4905 (fax)
Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center
email 
Joyce M. Slingerland, MD, PhD Joyce M. Slingerland, MD, PhD
Director, Braman Family Breast Cancer Institute, UMSylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center Professor of Medicine
Research Summary
Breast cancer, molecular mechanisms, molecular genetics, epidemiology, cell cycle, and estrogen receptors
305-243-4909 (ph)
305-243-4975 (fax)
email 
Geoffrey W. Stone, Ph.D. Geoffrey W. Stone, Ph.D.
Research Assistant Professor of Microbiology and Immunology, Group Leader, HIV Program, Dodson Interdisciplinary Immunotherapy Institute
Research Summary

HIV Vaccines and Molecular Adjuvants to Enhance Immune Memory Responses

305-243-2189 (ph)
305-243-7211 (fax)
Room 743, Batchelor Children's Research Institute
email 
Marta  Torroella-Kouri, Ph.D. Marta Torroella-Kouri, Ph.D.
Research Assistant Professor, Microbiology and Immunology
Research Summary
"My research interests pertain to the role of the innate immune system, particularly of macrophages/monocytes, in the immune suppression observed in mice bearing advanced tumors. Peritoneal and tumor-associated macrophages and their precursors, monocytes in the circulation, represent and exhibit different levels of local and systemic immune suppression in the host. We have found that transcripition factors NFkB, STAT1 and STAT3 are differentially expressed in these cells, resulting in altered cell signaling pathways and cytokine gene expression patterns."
305-243-6260 (ph)
305-243-4623 (fax)
Room 3123A, Rosenstiel Medical Sciences Building
 
Xiang-Xi (Mike)  Xu, Ph.D. Xiang-Xi (Mike) Xu, Ph.D.
Professor, Medicine
Research Summary
Ovarian cancer biology and early embryogenesis
305-243-1750 (ph)
Papanicolaou Research Building 417
email 
Yanbin  Zhang, Ph.D. Yanbin Zhang, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Research Summary

DNA repair and mutagenesis, Fanconi anemia pathway of DNA repair.

(305) 243-9237 (ph)
email 
Teresa A. Zimmers, Ph.D. Teresa A. Zimmers, Ph.D.
Research Assistant Professor, Dewitt Daughtry Family Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, Cell Biology & Anatomy, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center
Research Summary
We study mechanisms of tissue growth regulation. Members of the TGF-beta superfamily are of particular interest.
(305) 243-1685 (ph)
(305) 243-7083 (fax)
Lab address: Surgical Oncology Research Laboratory, R.M.S.B. 1038 Office address: R.M.S.B. 1044
email 
 
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