Research Abstract

I am currently the Alton J. Brann Endowed Chair and Professor of Biological Sciences at the University of Massachusetts Boston. I have led peer-reviewed and funded research for the past 20 years focused on elucidating the molecular genetic alterations and dysfunctional intracellular signaling mechanisms that promote prostate pathobiology. Research in the Macoska laboratory is currently focused on: 1) Defining the mechanisms through which dysfunctional paracrine interactions between diverse cell types – epithelial, fibroblastic, endothelial, leukocytic – develop consequent to the aging process, and how these dysfunctional interactions contribute to the development of benign and malignant proliferative disease in the prostate; 2) Elucidating the intracellular mechanisms through which growth factors, particularly CXC-type chemokines, secreted by aging stromal fibroblasts stimulate cellular proliferation and myofibroblast phenoconversion in the lower urinary tract, and the association of these pathobiologies with urinary voiding dysfunction and malignancy, and 3) Translating laboratory-based knowledge to the development of clinically efficacious therapeutics to slow or arrest the initiation or progression of benign and malignant disease in the prostate. I am the past Secretary and current President-elect of the Society for Basic Urologic Research. I have trained >20 pre- and post-doctoral scientists in laboratory research and am vested in facilitating and ensuring the successful training of the next generation of biomedical researchers.