Department of Pathology: Research Actvities

Research activities in the Department focus on fundamental cellular, molecular and genetic processes in order to provide a basic understanding of disease mechanisms. Research activities fall into four broad areas: infectious disease, inflammation, cancer, and the regulatory role of cell cycle proteins on cell vitality.

Current investigations in the area of infectious disease are focused on
microbial pathogenesis, including studies on the cellular and molecular dynamics of the mode of action of microbial toxins produced by several oral and systemic pathogens; and HIV infection, focusing on pathogenic mechanisms involved in neurodegeneration associated with HIV-induced encephalitis. Ongoing research on inflammation focuses on identifying signaling pathways that may eventually be exploited for therapeutic intervention. Cancer research investigates the role of human papillomavirus in oral squamous cell carcinoma, and developing molecular inventories of oral carcinomas, with the goal of improving diagnosis and treatment. Studies on cell cycle regulation focus on the role of regulatory protein in neurodegeneration and immunotoxicity.

View research activities by faculty member:

Bruce J. Shenker, PhD
Professor and Chair of the Pathology Department

Faizan Alawi, DDS
Assistant Professor of Pathology

Hydar Ali, PhD
Associate Professor of Pathology

Kelly Jordan-Sciutto, PhD
Assistant Professor of Pathology

Edward T. Lally, DMD, PhD
Professor of Pathology