The research in my lab is focused on understanding the mechanisms by which the tumor microenvironment influences prostate cancer development, metastasis, and hormonal drug resistance. Our approach is to understand the normal biology of the prostate gland and its microenvironment, as well as the bone environment, to inform on the mechanisms by which tumor cells remodel and use that environment to develop, metastasize, and acquire hormonal resistance. We use a combination of genetics, cell biology, and molecular biology in in vitro and in vivo models of prostate cancer to understand basic underlying mechanisms. Our hypotheses and approaches are based solidly on observations derived from clinical disease and are aimed at addressing clinically important problems in prostate cancer. Our current research program revolves around three primary areas of interest.
