Research Programs
Conformational Diseases & Therapeutics Research
The Conformational Diseases and Therapeutics Research Lab works on understanding the mechanism(s) of protein folding and misfolding, and to decipher how these processes are related to normal physiology and disease using chemical, biophysical and cell biology approaches. The lab is currently focusing on two amyloid like diseases, Huntington’s disease and Occulopharyngeal Muscular Dystrophy. Studies include the aggregation phenomena and using high-throughput screening assays to identify small molecules as potential leads to therapeutics.
Human Immunology & Cancer Program
The Human Immunology and Cancer Program is a multifaceted basic and clinical scientific endeavor devoted to advancing understanding of the pathogenesis of primary amyloidosis and developing innovative diagnostic and therapeutic means; the ultimate goal is to eventually diminish or eradicate the calamitous effects of this disease.
Molecular Biology and Oncology Laboratory
The Molecular Biology and Oncology Laboratory (MBOL) is part of the the Human Immunology and Cancer Program (HICP) within the UT Graduate School of Medicine. The historical focus of this laboratory has been to help determine the nature of amyloid forming proteins in both established and novel cases of disease associated with protein deposition. In the course of this work, our laboratory has helped pinpoint mutations from patient tissues for numerous amyloids as well as identify new amyloid proteins such as the novel Odontogenic Ameloblast associated protein (ODAM) found in a rare tumor derived from tooth forming tissues and shown to be the source of amyloid fibrils in this odontogenic pathology.
Molecular Imaging & Translational Research Program
Research objectives in PET instrumentation include advances in PET/CT methodology and the assessment of the role of combined PET/CT imaging for a range of different cancers. This work with human subjects will be complemented by parallel studies involving specific animal models of cancer, and eventually the development of new molecular probes that target different aspects of tumor physiology and the effects of therapy in patients
Preclinical & Diagnostic Molecular Imaging Laboratory
The Preclinical and Diagnostic Molecular Imaging Laboratory's aim is to facilitate the translation of novel therapies and diagnostic agents into patients by providing proof-of-principle data in animal models of disease, as required by the US Food and Drug Administration. The laboratory focuses on research into amyloid-associated disorders, cancer, atherosclerosis and diagnostic veterinary imaging.
The University of Tennessee Graduate School of Medicine
1924 Alcoa Highway Box U-114
Knoxville, TN 37920
Phone (865) 305-9340
Fax (865) 305-6849