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Assistant Professor
Assistant Professor, Pathology and Laboratory Medicine and Fels Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Biology, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University
Esophageal squamous epithelium exhibits a defined proliferation-differentiation equilibrium that supports barrier function, a primary defense against luminal contents, which may include food allergens and carcinogens. Esophageal pathology often features impaired squamous differentiation and barrier dysfunction, suggesting that mucosal defense mechanisms beyond mechanical barrier exist. We have identified autophagy as a critical cytoprotective mechanism in esophageal epithelia exposed to stressors relevant to esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC; one of the most deadly forms of human cancer), Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE; an emerging food allergy-associated inflammatory disorder) and Barrett’s Esophagus (BE; a precursor to esophageal adenocarcinoma). Using these studies as a foundation, we now aim to define the precise functional roles of autophagy in epithelial mucosal defense under conditions of health and disease. We utilize a multi-disciplinary approach coupling molecular biology and biochemical techniques with innovative murine disease models, 3D organoid culture and patient-derived specimens with associated clinical data to uncover fundamental mechanisms contributing to epithelial homeostasis and then apply this knowledge toward the development of novel translational avenues for prevention, prognosis and therapy in benign and malignant human diseases.
Fels Institute for Cancer Research & Molecular Biology,
Lewis Katz School of Medicine,
Temple University
Research at Fox Chase Cancer Center includes faculty from throughout Temple Health and Temple University, including the Temple School of Engineering, Temple School of Pharmacy and the Lewis Katz School of Medicine.
Fels Institute for Cancer Research & Molecular Biology,
Lewis Katz School of Medicine,
Temple University
Research at Fox Chase Cancer Center includes faculty from throughout Temple Health and Temple University, including the Temple School of Engineering, Temple School of Pharmacy and the Lewis Katz School of Medicine.
Assistant Professor
Assistant Professor, Pathology and Laboratory Medicine and Fels Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Biology, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University
Esophageal squamous epithelium exhibits a defined proliferation-differentiation equilibrium that supports barrier function, a primary defense against luminal contents, which may include food allergens and carcinogens. Esophageal pathology often features impaired squamous differentiation and barrier dysfunction, suggesting that mucosal defense mechanisms beyond mechanical barrier exist. We have identified autophagy as a critical cytoprotective mechanism in esophageal epithelia exposed to stressors relevant to esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC; one of the most deadly forms of human cancer), Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE; an emerging food allergy-associated inflammatory disorder) and Barrett’s Esophagus (BE; a precursor to esophageal adenocarcinoma). Using these studies as a foundation, we now aim to define the precise functional roles of autophagy in epithelial mucosal defense under conditions of health and disease. We utilize a multi-disciplinary approach coupling molecular biology and biochemical techniques with innovative murine disease models, 3D organoid culture and patient-derived specimens with associated clinical data to uncover fundamental mechanisms contributing to epithelial homeostasis and then apply this knowledge toward the development of novel translational avenues for prevention, prognosis and therapy in benign and malignant human diseases.