DF/HCC Program Affiliation

Cancer Cell Biology

Research Abstract

My research group focuses on the microbial ecology of disease-causing bacteria and environmental indicators of fecal contamination. We use DNA fingerprinting methods including denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) and automated terminal restriction fragment length polymorphisms (T-RFLP) to characterize the biodiversity and population dynamics of these bacteria in nature. Escherichia coli and Enterococcus faecalis are two of the model bacteria that we use. One connection to cancer research is to understand why some bacteria display selective replication or preferential accumulation in the tumor microenvironment. This has potential value in the treatment of malignant tissue. In addition to this research role, I am a member of the UMass Boston-DF/HCC NIH U56 grant (Health Disparities) steering committee.

Publications

View All Publications