Information for Students:

COM Research Track

Summer Research Fellowship Stipends

Research Day

Graduation with Honors in Research

External Grants & Training Opportunities

MD/PhD Students

College of Medicine

Patrick J. Antonelli, M.D.
Professor & Chair, Department of Otolaryngology
Phone:  392-4461;  Fax:  392-6781;  Pager:  888-969-2733
E-mail: antonpj@ent.ufl.edu

Web:  http://www.ent.health.ufl.edu/FACULTY/Antonelli/antonelli.htm

Project Description:  This laboratory investigates inflammatory disorders of the ear. The principal research focus is on the pathogenesis of otitis media using biochemical and microbiological techniques. The secondary focus is on mechanisms of hearing loss with mechanical or pathological injury to the inner ear in the presence of middle ear inflammation. These research projects involve biochemical and microbiological analysis of human specimens as well as microsurgery in rodent models of otitis media. Retrospective analyses of patients are also performed for selected otologic issues. Research in this laboratory is translational in nature (i.e. clinical problems are addressed using bench research or animal models).

Economist, Associate Research Scientist, Department of Epidemiology & Health Policy Research

Phone:  265-7220 (dial 3 for the receptionist)

E-mail:  ska@ichp.ufl.edu

Web:  http://www.ehpr.ufl.edu/aydede.asp

Project Description:  The primary purpose of the National Center on Financing for Children with Special Health Care Needs (CSHCN) at the Institute for Child Health Policy is to conduct research that will shed light on the development of fair and adequate reimbursement schemes for children cared for under managed care arrangements. The research conducted to date focused on:  (1) the adequacy of payments to health plans under commonly used state reimbursement schemes such as demographic risk adjustors, carve-outs, reinsurance, and health-based risk adjustment;  (2) the persistence in CSHCN expenditures;  and (3) an overall examination of health care use, expenditures and quality of care for children with chronic conditions as well as healthy children.  The ongoing research is focusing on:  (1) the effects of reinsurance on health plans of varying size and case-mix;  (2) commercial health plan exits from public health insurance markets and involuntary plan switching;  (3) reimbursement schemes for new enrollees;  and (4) an exploration of provider level reimbursement schemes that better align payments to the service needs of children with a wide range of acute and chronic conditions.

Professor, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology

Phone:  392-4193

E-mail: behnkem@peds.ufl.edu

           eylerfd@peds.ufl.edu

Project Description:  We are Co-Principal Investigators for a prospective, longitudinal growth and development study now in its 11th year of NIH funding from the National Institute on Drug Abuse. Our primary focus has been the long-term effects of prenatal drug exposure, specifically cocaine. Outcomes include neuroimaging studies, neuropsychological testing of children, evaluation of school and home environment, and psychosocial evaluations of the children and their caregivers.

Assistant Professor, Department of Surgery (Pediatric Surgery)

Phone:  392-3718

E-mail:  beierea@surgery.ufl.edu

Web:  http://www.surgery.ufl.edu/FacultyProfile.asp?FacultyID=31

Project Description:  We are looking at cellular survival pathways in neuroblastoma, a pediatric tumor.  We do cell culture, basic molecular biology, and some animal experiments.

Professor, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology

Shands Jacksonville, 655 West 8th Street, Jacksonville, FL 32209

Phone:  (904) 244-3112

E-mail: guy.benrubi@jax.ufl.edu

Web:  http://www.shandsjacksonville.com/public/find/bio.asp?id=109

Project Description:  Current inquiry revolves around ethical concerns in providing patient care.  The medical student would learn techniques for analysis and potential resolution of medical ethical dilemmas, and do research paper on any of the following issues on which I am currently working:  (1) futility in a managed care setting;  (2) physician assisted suicide;  (3) ethical concerns in assisted reproductive technology;  or (4) medical student involvement in patient care.  The student may explore other areas and would be guided towards the appropriate literature and analytic methodology.

Assistant Professor, Department of Surgery

Phone:  265-0605

E-mail:  bercesa@mail.surgery.ufl.edu

Web:  http://www.surgery.ufl.edu/research/vasbiores.asp

Project Description:  Dr. Berceli's research focuses on the clinically relevant problem of vein bypass graft failure, and examines the mechanisms underlying accelerated intimal hyperplasia development. Biomechanical forces have been identified as potent regulators of intimal thickening, yet an understanding of the underlying signaling mechanism remains limited. The current work builds on the established rabbit model of flow-regulated vein graft remodeling, focussing on the interactions of various signaling mediators, such as connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) and transforming growth factor (TGF), on assembly and degradation of the extracellular matrix, via matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-2 and -9). Currently gene delivery and antisense oligonucleotide techniques for use in the vascular system are being developed. Insight into these signaling pathways, in combination with development of these powerful gene inhibition techniques, offers the potential for direct application to the clinical setting.

David C. Bloom, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor, Department of Molecular Genetics & Microbiology

Phone:  392-8520
E-mail:  dbloom@mgm.ufl.edu

Web:  http://www.mgm.ufl.edu/faculty/dbloom.htm

Project Description:  My lab's overall goal is to understand how Herpes Simplex Virus type 1 (HSV-1) is able to go latent in nerve cells, and how stress causes it to reactivate and cause recurrent disease.  My current research is focused in three major areas:  (1) Characterizing viral genetic elements that regulate latency and reactivation;  (2) Identifying molecular determinants of HSV latent gene expression and silencing of lytic genes;  and (3) Exploiting HSV's unique biology and developing improved versions of HSV vectors for expressing biologically relevant peptides in neurons of the peripheral and central nervous systems.

Stephen E. Borst, Ph.D. 
Associate Professor, Department of Applied Physiology & Kinesiology 
Geriatric Research, Education & Clinical Center, VA Medical Center 
Phone:  364-6114;  Fax:  374-61423 
E-mail:  seborst@ufl.edu

Project Description:  This laboratory conducts translational research to address the problem of sarcopenia of aging.  Aging is accompanied by losses in muscle mass and strength, loss in bone mineral density and increased adiposity.  We are investigating both the underlying causes and treatments designed to combat sarcopenia.

Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine 

Phone:  846-2701  (Office Manager:  Kristie Richardson)

E-mail:  brantml@medicine.ufl.edu

Web:  http://www.medicine.ufl.edu/pulmon/brantly.shtml

Project Description:  Our research is a combination of basic and clinical research in inherited lung diseases including alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency, cystic fibrosis and inherited pulmonary fibrosis. Research projects available include working with data set correlating phenotype and genotypes. Developing and utilizing genotyping assays in the diagnosis of rare alpha-1-antitrypsin alleles. Gene expression in lung epithelial cell and alveolar macrophages.

Assistant Professor, Department of Psychiatry

Office Phone:  291-0421;  Lab Phone:  846-1717

E-mail: awbruijn@psychiatry.ufl.edu

Project Description:  Role of corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) in the depressive-like signs associated with drug withdrawal.  We use the rat intracranial self-stimulation procedure to investigate the effects of CRF in nicotine withdrawal.  This entails the implantation electrodes in the medial forebrain bundle of rats and the daily assessment of brain reward thresholds.  Withdrawal from drug of abuse increases the brain reward threshold (i.e. depressive like state) and we try to reverse this by using CRF antagonists and other novel pharmacological treatments for mood disorders.  The student will become experience with the following techniques.  Surgical techniques:  Implantation of electrodes and cannulae in the brain;  implantation and removal and subcutaneous minipumps that contain drugs of abuse.  Injection procedures:  Subcutaneous, intraperitoneal, and intracranial administration of drugs.  In addition, the student will gain extensive knowledge about animal care, how to conduct scientific experiment and drug dependence research.  This projected will be conducted in close collaboration with Dr. Gold.  For more information see http://www.psychiatry.ufl.edu/people/bios/gold.htm.

Associate Professor and Editorial Board, FEBS Letters, Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine

Rm. D2-039;  Box 100221

Office Phone:  273-5346;  Fax:  374-6170

Web:  http://www.medicine.ufl.edu/rheuma/bubb.shtml

Project Description:  This project is part of my laboratory’s broader interest in the cellular pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis now have access to new biologic therapies that inhibit tumor necrosis factor-a (TNF-a) that provide marked relief of symptoms and that have a positive impact on the natural history of the disease. We have identified candidate molecules that likely mediate the cellular response to TNF-a. Student participants can participate in either the analysis of clinical data obtained from patients in our "early synovitis" clinic, or in the molecular analysis of cells collected from these patients. The goal of this research is to develop molecular markers that predict the development of rheumatoid arthritis and/or predict the response to TNF-a therapy.

Robert A. Burne, Ph.D.

Professor and Chair, Department of Oral Biology

Phone:  392-4370;  Fax:  392-7357

E-mail:  rburne@dental.ufl.edu

Web:  http://www.dental.ufl.edu/Offices/Oral_bio/Faculty_pages/RBurne.html

Project Description:  The primary interests in my laboratory are in the molecular mechanisms governing the ability of bacteria that are capable of causing diseases in humans to modulate their virulence in response to environmental influences. Major research areas are polysaccharide metabolism, biofilms, molecular chaperones, and alkali generation.

Professor, Departments of Oral Biology and Anatomy & Cell Biology

Phone:  392-6190;  Fax:  392-4620

E-mail:  echan@ufl.edu

Web:  http://www.dental.ufl.edu/Faculty/EChan/

Project Description:  Our laboratory is primarily interested in autoimmunity with the focus in autoantigens and autoantibodies associated with systemic autoimmune diseases and cancer. The two main directions are 1) to identify and characterize specific autoimmune target antigens and understand why autoantibodies are induced and continually produced in different disease states and 2) to use human autoantibodies as unique probes to reveal the molecular and cellular functions of interesting macromolecules and subcellular organelles that are autoimmune targets. By understanding the biology of autoantigens in health and disease states, we will appreciate the functional and pathogenic potentials of autoantibodies. Our laboratory is actively characterizing the mRNA associated protein GW182 which is a macromolecule marker of a novel cytoplasmic compartment known as GW bodies (GWBs). The most common clinical diagnosis of patients with anti-GW182 antibodies was Sjögren’s syndrome, followed by neurological disease (motor and sensory neuropathy and/or ataxia), and systemic lupus erythematosus. Several novel autoantigens have been identified in GWBs and we focus on their roles in the regulation of mRNA degradation and gene expression.

Assistant Professor, Department of Medicine and UF Shands Cancer Center

E-mail:  c@ufl.edu

Associate Professor and Director, Molecular Genetics & Microbiology and UF Shands Cancer Center

Phone:  392-3058

E-mail:  escott@ufl.edu

Web:  http://www.mgm.ufl.edu/faculty/escott.htm

Project Description:  Dr. Edward Scott is the Director of the Program in Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine and Dr. Christopher Cogle is a physician-scientist in the UF Shands Bone Marrow Transplant Program. Drs. Scott and Cogle perform basic science and clinical research on stem cells and cancer. Medical students in our lab have produced published research on umbilical cord blood stem cells and have participated in Dr. Cogle’s weekly oncology clinic.

Distinguished Professor, Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

Office Phone:  392-3362

E-mail:  bdunn@college.med.ufl.edu

Web:  http:// expertise.cos.com/cgi-bin/exp.cgi?id=401891

Project Description:  Current research interests include studies of protein structure/function relationships, particularly involving proteolytic enzyme specificity. We use site-directed mutagenesis, protein expression and purification, enzyme kinetics, and x-ray crystallography to answer specific questions relating to defining critical active site interaction that lead to specific binding and efficient catalysis. These studies lead to new information of use in drug discovery programs.
    Enzymes currently under study include: the HIV-1 protease; Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) protease; digestive enzymes from the mararia parasite, Plasmodium falciparum; fungal enzymes such as Candida albicans SAPs; human cathepsin D and human cathepsin E; the secreted serine proteases of certain species of pseudomonas and other bacteria as well as human CLN2; and plant proteases, including Arabadopsis thaliana.
    Our work is based on knowledge of the three-dimensional structures of most of these enzymes, and we have established the capacity to produce pure proteins and crystals for new structure determination and have solved several structures of HIV-1 protease in complex with clinically-approved inhibitors. We have also obtained crystals of plasmepsins from P. falciparum, which are new targets for drug discovery.

Professor, Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology 

Office Phone:  392-1872;  Lab Phone: 346-3389 

E-mail:  dunn@ufl.edu

Web:  http://www.med.ufl.edu/anatomy/mcb/profdetail.cgi?name=dunn_w

Project Description:  Autophagy is an essential cellular pathway for the degradative removal of cellular macromolecules and organelles by lysosomes.  We have utilized a yeast model combined with genetic, molecular cell biology, and structural cell biology techniques to better define the molecular events of this pathway.  Autophagy is an essential pathway for the removal of damaged organelles for cell survival, but may also promote cell death.  We are currently trying to understand what molecular events regulate these two diverse functions of autophagy.  In addition to our yeast studies, we are also investigating the role of autophagy in both cell survival and cell death in the survival of environmentally-stressed cells, in the growth of neoplastic cell lines and in the aging of rat liver and heart.  Furthermore, we have been examining the role of autophagy in the destruction of intracellular pathogens such as P. gingivalis that invade epithelial cells and in the removal of protein aggregates that have been shown to accumulate in many neurological disorders.  These studies will provide new insights into the regulation of autophagy whereby we can promote cell survival of environmentally-stressed cells or cells containing protein aggregates and suppress cell growth or promote cell death of cancer cells.

Rodney K. Edwards, M.D., M.S.

Assistant Professor, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine

Phone:  392-3306

E-mail:  edwardsr@obgyn.ufl.edu

Web:  http://www.obgyn.ufl.edu/OB/edwbio.htm

Project Description:  Our research program focuses on infections in obstetrics. We currently are conducting a study dealing with the relationship between bacterial vaginosis and preterm delivery. We are investigating the relationship between preterm delivery and the following: specific organisms present (bacterial vaginosis is a polymicrobial infection), immune function of the uterine cervix (cervical length and antibody concentrations in cervical fluid), and genetic predisposition to inflammation (polymorphism’s in the pro-inflammatory cytokine genes).

The above project is primarily patient-oriented basic science research. We are also conducting projects that are more clinical, however, the above project would be more suited for participation by a medical student.

Director of Clinical Trials for Movement Disorders

Co-Director, Movement Disorders Program at UF

Co-Director, Neurology Residency Training Program

Director, Clinical Neuroscience Pathway for Medical Students

Department of Neurology

Office Phone:  392-3491;  Fax:  392-6893

E-mail:  fernandez@neurology.ufl.edu

Web:  http://www.neurology.ufl.edu/Fernandez/home.html

Project Description:  My special area of research interest is on Movement Disroders. These include Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, and other disorders with dystonia, tremor, chorea and myoclonus. In particular, I am interested in the "non-motor" aspects of Parkinson's disease such as psychosis, dementia, anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, and other neurobehavioral and neurocognitive aspects. I am also interested in research on quality of life, care-giver stress, nursing home, pilot, single-center and multi-center clinical trials, and epidemiology of various movement disorders.

Assistant Professor, Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics

Office Phone:  329-8558;  Lab Phone:  392-8559

E-mail:  bsf@college.med.ufl.edu

Web:  http://www.med.ufl.edu/pharm/faculty/fletcher.html

Project Description:  Our laboratory is interested in nonviral approaches to gene therapy. Specifically we are employing a mammalian DNA transposon to facilitate gene transfer into endothelial cells. DNA complexes are formulated with either cationic lipids or polyelthylenimine to deliver transposon-carrying plasmids to rodents in vivo. We have used marker genes to note the location and duration of expression using this approach which tends to target lung endothelia. We are now expanding our studies to include therapeutic genes to treat hypertension and hemophilia A. This project would involve working together as a team with students, technicians and postdoctoral fellows. Emphasis would be placed on molecular and biochemical approaches to demonstrate gene transfer or therapeutic effect of such therapies.

Eminent Scholar & Chair, Department of Pediatrics

Phone:  392-3337

E-mail:  flotttr@peds.ufl.edu

Web:  http://www.mgm.ufl.edu/faculty/tflotte.htm

Project Description:  Dr. Flotte's primary focus of research is in gene therapy for genetics and metabolic disorders, including cystic fibrosis, alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, type I diabetes, and disorders of fatty acid oxidation.  He has focused on the study of adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors.  The life cycle of AAV is uniquely suited for gene therapy of chronic genetic disorders since there is an innate mechanism for long-term persistence in mammalian cells.  Dr. Flotte's laboratory has also focused on the mechanisms of AAV persistence, since these represent the basis for a more profound understanding of the potential for long-term safe and effective gene therapy.

Assistant Professor, Division of Transplantation, Department of Surgery

Phone:  265-0606;  Fax: 265-0678 

E-mail:  foleydp@surgery.ufl.edu

Project Description:  My laboratory research interests involve finding methods of protection from ischemia reperfusion injury of the liver in the context of both warm I/R injury and that incurred from cold preservation injury with liver transplantation.  We are currently utilizing a mouse model of total hepatic ischemia to assess the mechanisms of hepatoprotection from ischemic preconditioning during warm I/R injury.  We are in the process of developing a rat liver transplant model to assess the effects of cold preservation and reperfusion injury.  To determine the cellular mechanisms of injury and the methods of protection, we are using multiple molecular biology techniques including PCR, ELISA, analysis of genetic profiles, Western and Northern blots.  Medical students will have plenty of opportunities to assist with both mouse and rat surgical procedures.  There would also be exposure to the molecular biology techniques described above.

Distinguished Professor

Chief, Division of Addiction Medicine

Departments of Psychiatry, Neuroscience, Community Health & Family Medicine

Tel:  392-0140 (Tina Hall, Administrator)

E-mail:  msgold@psych.med.ufl.edu

Web:  http://www.psychiatry.ufl.edu/people/bios/gold.htm

Project Description:  We have several opportunities for the motivated medical student or MD/PhD or IDP student.  We are currently doing active work in public health and epidemiology, basic studies of neurotoxiolgy in animals, electrophysiological studies, post-mortem studies, and treatment outcome.  With Kim Frost-Pineda, MPH, the student might be able to work in public health research telephone survey of random households or practioners, develop on-line coursework for undergraduates or MDs, or study the effects of research commericals or ads to prevent drug use.  With Kevin Wang, PhD, the student could contribute to our ongoing work on the use of proteomics to identify and follow drugs of abuse-related neurotoxicty.  MDMA or "e", methamphetamine, and alcohol are currently being studied in lab animals. Human post-mortem studies are planned. With Pierre Blier, MD, PhD, a student might learn single unit electrophysiological approaches to the study of MDMA and/or GHB. We have recently st! udied the effects of these drugs on LC and also Raphe individual and simultaneous sampling.  We have worked to generate, test, and assist with local and national anti-smoking and anti-drug campaigns.  It is anticipated that we will start a new series of ads, test them on young people, and then distribute them to air on television and of course, follow for effectiveness.  fMRI studies of alcohol cues and second-hand smoke with Dr. Lui are also a possiblity for the student with previous experience.  Similarly, Richard Melker, MD, PhD and I are working on breath tests for various compounds including "e" which might make a good project for someone with bioengineering interests.

Vita Golubovskaya, Ph.D.

Research Assistant Professor, Department of Surgery

Tel:  392-7461

E-mail:  golubvi@surgery.ufl.edu

Web:  http://www.surgery.ufl.edu/FacultyProfile.asp?FacultyID=604

Project Description:  We are interested in getting undergrads to our Lab.  I am doing research of focal adhesion kinase signalling in cancer cell lines.  Focal adhesion kinase is involved in motility, adhesion and survival.  Recently the promoter regulatory region of focal adhesion kinase has been cloned and it is important to know its regulation.

Assistant Professor, Center for Molecular Microbiology & Department of Oral Biology

Office Phone:  846-0763;  Lab Phone:  846-0803;  Fax:  392-2361

E-mail:  mhandfield@dental.ufl.edu

Web:  http://www.dental.ufl.edu/Offices/

Project Description:  My laboratory is interested in the study of bacterial, viral and fungal infections of humans. We are focusing on the development and the use of novel tools to study human diseases directly, rather than in potentially misleading animal models. We have developed an innovative tool termed In Vivo Induced Antigen Technology (IVIAT, Trends Microbiol. 8:336-339) that uses serum from human survivors of disease as a probe to identify those genetic factors that are uniquely active in the disease process. IVIAT is a functional genomics technology and it complements other gene sequencing and analytic techniques by very rapidly sifting through a pathogen's genome to identify those critical genes in human infections. These genes are potentially valuable targets for antimicrobials, vaccine design or diagnostics.

James E. Rooks, Jr., Distinguished Professor and Program Director

Department of Neurology

Office Phone:  392-3491

E-mail:  heilman@neurology.ufl.edu

Web:  http://www.neurology.ufl.edu/Heilman/home.html

Project Description: Brain and Behavior;  Cognitive and Behavorial Neurology;  Neuropsychology;  Cognitive Neuroscience

Assistant Professor, Department of Psychiatry 

Office Phone:  294-0429;  Fax:  294-0425 

E-mail: jahobbs@psychiatry.ufl.edu

Project Description:  Since at least the mid-1800s, a potential infectious cause of mental illnesses, especially schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, has been hypothesized.  Viruses, in particular, due to their potential for neurotropism and latency have been most implicated.  I have been interested in parvovirus B19 (B19) as a potential cause of neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders.  This virus is known to infect the fetus and young children during critical times of early neurodevelopment.  The known disorders associated with B19 are erythema infectiosum (fifth disease), anemia and aplastic crisis, arthropathy (similar to rheumatoid arthritis), and hydrops fetalis (a potentially fatal anemia of the fetus).  More recent data suggest that B19 may be involved in a number of neurological and neuropsychiatric conditions, such as meningitis, encephalitis, stroke, seizure, and cerebellar ataxia.  The mechanism of B19-induced brain disorders is not known.  My laboratory focus is on developing an animal model of B19-induced brain infection and the study of the effect of infection on subsequent neurodevelopment and behavior.  I also have an interest in understanding possible links of parvoviruses with human psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia, autism, and bipolar disorder.  My laboratory employs molecular and cellular biology techniques as well as animal models in order to study the basic neurobiology of B19 infection.

Assistant Professor, Departments of Surgery and Molecular Genetics & Microbiology
Office Phone:  265-0535
E-mail:  hochwsn@surgery.ufl.edu

Web:  http://www.surgery.ufl.edu/FacultyProfile.asp?FacultyID=157

Project Description:  My research seeks to expand our knowledge in advanced molecular biology, with the goals of: 1) pursuing a mechanistic understanding of the role of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and insulin-like growth factor receptor (IGF-1R) in promoting pancreatic cancer cell survival. My research focuses on cancer of the exocrine pancreas, which continues to be a major unsolved health problem in the United States. Due to difficulty in early diagnosis, the aggressiveness of established pancreatic cancer, and the lack of effective systemic therapies, fewer than 5% of patients with adenocarcinoma of the pancreas will survive five years after diagnosis. My research examines the role of inhibition of FAK and IGF-1R on cell signaling and survival. FAK and IGF-1R are tyrosine kinases whose overexpression occurs in a number of human malignancies including pancreatic cancer. FAK has been reported to be an important survival signal for tumor cells to resist apoptosis as well as a promoter of tumor invasion and metastasis. Downregulation of FAK expression by introduction of anti-sense oligonucleotides or the dominant negative C-terminal part of FAK leads to cell detachment and apoptosis in transformed cells.

    The insulin-like growth factor system efficiently signals cells to grow, differentiate and survive. One central determinant in the prevention of cell death is the IGF-1R. Signal transduction through this receptor leads to intracellular phosphorylation of substrates resulting in the activation of several signaling pathways including Akt and MAP kinases. Therefore, the hypothesis that is being tested is whether activated IGF-1R and FAK physically interact and synergize as important survival signals in human pancreatic adenocarcinoma cells. Ongoing studies seek to elucidate the mechanism of interaction between FAK and IGF-1R in human pancreatic adenocarcinoma cells and to determine if inhibition of both FAK and IGF-1R simultaneously will more efficiently inhibit cell proliferation and migration and potentiate cell detachment and apoptosis. FAK and IGF-1R expression are being inhibited with multiple approaches including siRNA and expression of dominant negative forms of FAK and IGF-1R as well as with the use of small molecule kinase inhibitors of IGF-1R. Results are expected to illuminate novel, therapeutic molecular targets in the treatment of pancreatic cancer which is refractory to conventional cytotoxic therapy, including chemotherapy and radiation treatment.

Assistant Professor, Department of Pathology, Immunology, & Laboratory Medicine

Phone:  376-1611 x4522;  Fax:  379-4023

E-mail:  iczkoka@pathology.ufl.edu

Project Description:  Available research projects: I have 3-year grants (until 2005) from the American Cancer Society and the Veterans Administration; I have a post-doctoral fellow; and I have 2 laboratories at the VAMC. Grants are for study of the expression of CD44, a cell adhesion molecule, in the tumorigenesis and metastasis of prostate cancer. (We will also expand the study to pinin, another cell adhesion molecule, in association with my mentor, Dr. Steve Sugrue, Chairman of Anatomy.) Research techniques used are all very contemporary and worthwhile for a medical student to learn: TaqMan real-time RT-PCR, Southern blotting, in situ hybridization, immunohistochemistry, Western blotting laser capture microdissection, and microarray analysis (non-radioactive). We also plan to alter the expression of these molecules by "interfering RNA," and examine the functional significance of the alterations with Matrigel invasion assays. An additional project concerns expression of NSAID-activated gene protein in the serum of prostate cancer patients using ELISA, and I have an intramural grant for this.

Nature of research: mainly basic science. However, the projects have a strong clinical science slant, since results are correlated with grade, stage, and size of the prostate cancers. In addition, most of my 50 publications are in clinically oriented science.

Associate Professor, Department of Pediatrics, Neonatology Division
Phone:  392-4195

E-mail:  koenijm@peds.ufl.edu

Project Description:  Neutrophils serve as one of the first lines of defense against infection. However, in neonates, especially when delivered prematurely, neutrophil production and function are deficient. These deficiencies contribute to the increased risk for developing infections in the neonatal population. In addition, not only are neonatal neutrophils functionally impaired, they also have abnormally prolonged survival, a condition which could potentially lead to the initiation of chronic inflammatory processes, such as in the lung. Furthermore, certain abnormal biologic conditions, such as preeclampsia during pregnancy, can further impair neutrophil production and function.  Our main research goal is to determine the key regulatory factors involved in neutrophil production and function in the developing fetus and neonate. Improved knowledge of neutrophil biology in the developing human has important implications to the development of therapeutic modalities for these fragile patients.

Social Demographer, Associate Professor, Department of Epidemiology & Health Policy Research 
Phone:  265-7220 (dial 3 for the receptionist)

E-mail:  kak@ichp.ufl.edu

Web:  http://www.ehpr.ufl.edu/komro.asp

Project Description:  I am the Principle Investigator of a group randomized trial entitled "An Adaptation of Project Northland for Urban Youth", funded by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.  Project Northland is a multiple component and community-wide intervention to prevent the early onset of alcohol use among young adolescents.  The trial is being implemented in Chicago with 60 public schools and surrounding community areas.  The preventive intervention includes classroom, peer leadership, family and community organizing strategies.  The opportunities that I can offer for a medical student in the honor's research track include experience in conducting literature searches and writing summaries of the literature to be used for intervention materials, grant proposals, and/or manuscripts.

Assistant Professor, Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology

Office Phone:  294-7976

E-mail: dliao@ufl.edu

Web:  http://www.med.ufl.edu/anatomy/mcb/profdetail.cgi?name=liao_d

Project Description:  Our research program focuses on understanding function and regulation of tumor suppressor p53 and its homologous transcriptional activators by viral oncogenes and cellular proteins. In one project, we are studying how adenovirus E1B 55-kDa oncoprotein impacts on p53 pathway and roles of this viral oncoprotein in cell transformation induced by adenovirus, a DNA tumor virus. We have found that the E1B 55-kDa protein inhibits p53’s functions through several distinct biochemical mechanisms including inhibition of posttranslational modifications of p53, sequestration of p53 in the cytoplasm and impairs regulation of p53 by cellular proteins. Current efforts focus on understanding how E1B 55-kDa oncoprotein represses transcription and potential role of cytoplasmic sequestration of p53 by this viral oncogene in apoptosis.  

     In another project, we are investigating the interplay between acetylase and coactivator PCAF and p53 family of proteins and the impact of their interactions on expression of p53 target genes and on tumor suppression.  We are also interested in understanding how stresses relay signals to p53. To this end, we have found that p53 is phosphorylated at specific serine residues in the C-terminal regulatory domain by a yet to be identified kinase. We are making progress in identify this kinase through proteomic approaches. Our goal for this project is to identify this kinase and study its role in signaling pathways converging on p53.  

    Finally, we have been interested in understanding the interactions between p53 family proteins and Daxx. We and others have found that Daxx binds to p53 and p73. These interactions may play important roles in the diverse functions of Daxx ranging from transcriptional regulation to apoptosis, as well as cell cycle control.

Our long-term goal is to understand the cellular regulatory circuitries that govern cell growth and transformation through focused research on the p53 pathway by using cutting-edge technologies in molecular cell biology. We believe that such approaches will likely yield useful knowledge that will have major impact in cancer cell biology and may also have translational values in designing treatments for cancer patients.

Sally A. Litherland, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor, Dept of Pathology, Immunology, & Laboratory Medicine

Phone:  392-5169, 392-8389

E-mail:  litherla@pathology.ufl.edu

Web:  http://www.pathology.ufl.edu/~litherla/

Project Description:  We are studying the role of myeloid cells in autoimmune disease immunopathogenesis.  Our main focus is on cytokine induced changes in monocytes and macrophages, both as they differentiate from the bone marrow, and when they are activated as mature cells.  We are currently working on hormone and cytokine signaling pathways that use the family of STAT proteins as their secondary messengers within the cell.  We have found a common defect in the activation of STAT5 proteins in type1 diabetes, Graves Disease , and Hashimotos thyroiditis patients as well as in the nonobese diabetic mouse.  Our work includes immunohistochemical, molecular genetic, and congenic breeding analysis systems.  Techniques we commonly use are epigenic modification chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) analysis, 3-demensional and rotational deconvolution microscopy, flow cytometry/fluorescence activated cell sorting (FACS), and traditional protein biochemistry assays.

Chen Liu, M.D., Ph.D.

Assistant Professor, Department of Pathology, Immunology & Laboratory Medicine

Phone:  392-0015

E-mail:  liu@pathology.ufl.edu

Web:  http://www.pathology.ufl.edu/~liu/

Project Description:  My laboratory is interested in the pathogenesis of hepatitis C virus infection, particularly the role of cellular factors in intracellular antiviral activity. We are also interested in identifying the molecular mechanisms for liver cancer formation. Clinical science: My clinical research interests are gastrointestinal and liver pathology, and histopathological basis of graft versus host disease.

Assistant Professor, Departments of Psychiatry and Neuroscience

Office Phone:  294-0414;  Fax:  392-2579;  Pager:  413-0925

E-mail:  yijunliu@psychiatry.ufl.edu

Web:  http://fmri.mbi.ufl.edu/

Project Description:  The research interest in Dr. Liu's lab is to develop neuroimaging methods for both basic neuroscience study and clinical investigation. In particular, we use functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to model neural circuits mediating various brain functions and disorders. Currently, there are four lines of research work in the lab: (1) neuropathological and neuropharmacological bases of certain psychiatric disorders, including obsessive-compulsive disorder, autism, and depression; (2) in vivo neural-system modeling methods for exploring the role of subcortical nuclei in the perceptual and adaptive processes underlying human cognition and affection, and especially, in the maintenance of conscious self-awareness; (3) the real-time fMRI of brain-hormone interaction for the study of eating, drinking and gambling problems, as well obesity and diabetes in humans; (4) a Gene-Brain Mapping (GBM) program integrating new phenotype fMRI and MR diffusion imaging methods with recent development in gene mapping.

Associate Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology

Phone:  (904) 244-3125;  Fax (904) 244-3124

E-mail:  deborah.lyon@jax.ufl.edu

Project Description:  Gender biases in medicine, personality issues in choice of specialty, quality assurance/patient safety/systems-based learning, education (particularly in the realm of how to do as much or more with fewer resources), communication, patient preference/satisfaction.

Associate Professor, Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

Office Phone:  392-3375;  Lab Phone:  392-2332

E-mail:  thmareci@ufl.edu

Web:  http://biochem.med.ufl.edu/facultytemp.php?lastname=Mareci&firstname=Thomas+H.

Project Description:  Our research group is examining the structure and biochemistry of living systems using nuclear magnetic resonance imaging and spectroscopy.  Currently we are mapping the fiber structure of the brain and spinal cord, to relate structure to function in order to understand pathologies like epilepsy and traumatic injury, and we are examining the status of blood-brain-barrier in pathological situations.

     Our research focuses on the study of fundamental questions of tissue structure and biochemical processes in living systems accessible to study with nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) techniques.  To provide a detailed understanding of the living system, we are examining excised tissue with MR microscopy and spectroscopy, and then these measurements are extended to studies in vivo.  This work involves a detailed investigation of biophysical processes at the cellular and molecular level along with the development of NMR measurement and processing methods, and specialized hardware.  Our current projects are the following.  (1) We are studying blood-spinal-cord barrier and blood-brain barrier disruption, using dynamic contrast-enhanced MR imaging in vivo, following trauma. As part of the study, we are modeling the kinetics of lesion enhancement in a longitudinal study of barrier disruption over weeks.  (2) We are using diffusion weighted images to map fiber tracts in highly structured white matter in nervous tissue and have recently extended this procedure to allow fiber tracking in the gray matter of the spinal cord.  (3) We are constructing unique RF coils for implantation near the region of interest.  These chronically implanted coils are inductively coupled to an external coil during measurements and provide a gain as large as a factor of 4 in signal-to-noise ratio.  Because of the gains possible, these coils allow the acquisition of very high spatial resolution MR images and spectra.

Thomas Mulligan, M.D.  

Ruth S. Jewett Professor of Medicine 

Chief, University of Florida Division of Geriatrics

Director, Gainesville Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center (182) 

Phone:  364-6114;  Fax:  374-61423 

E-mail:  Thomas.Mulligan@med.va.gov

Project Description:  This is active in clinical trials of treatments for sarcopenia in older men.  We are conducting a randomized controlled trial of testosterone replacement therapy in older hypogonadal men.  We are also conducting a phase II study of a novel agent for the treatment of age-associated hypogonadism with dihydrotestosterone (DHT).  Systemic (non prostatic) conversion of testosterone to DHT may be safer because systemic DHT does not appear to enter the prostate.  Thus, DHT may provide anabolic effects, without the associated risk on the prostate.

Chief, Division of Forensic Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry

Phone:  265-3284

E-mail:  wmyers@psych.med.ufl.edu

Project Description:  During their short-term research project experience through the Division of Forensic Psychiatry, the medical student will be expected to develop a clinical research project of limited scope under the guidance of Dr. Myers and possibly one or more of the other forensic faculty members as well. The student's project could be a brief clinical study, a legal case synopsis, or a scholarly review of an area of interest in forensic psychiatry. Creativity in ideas is welcomed. Ideally the final product will be suitable for submission for publication in the forensic psychiatry or related literature.

Professor, Department of Pediatrics

Office Phone:  392-3020

E-mail:  neuj@peds.ufl.edu

Project Description:  Our lab is focused on clinical problems seen in neonates and basic biological questions pertaining to development of intestinal function and nutritional processes. Three projects currently underway that is available for inclusion of students involve studies of: (i) the effects of glutamine on intercellular junctions and intestinal inflammation in cell culture and infant animal models, (ii) the developing small intestine as it relates to the pathogenesis of Type I diabetes, and (iii), effects of early nutrition on adult health.

Lucia Notterpek, Ph.D

Assistant Professor, Departments of Neuroscience and Anatomy & Cell Biology

Phone:  294-0030

E-mail:  notterp@mbi.ufl.edu

Web: http://www.mbi.ufl.edu/~notterp/Lucia.htm

Project Description:  (i) To define the role of peripheral myelin protein 22 (PMP22), a Schwann cell glycoprotein, in normal nerve development and in the pathogenesis of the major inherited peripheral neuropathies. (ii) To examine the role of PMP22 at the developing blood-brain barrier (ii) to examine how the formation of intracellular protein aggregates alters the ability of Schwann cells to establish and maintain myelin. (iv) To study the role of autophagy in protein aggregate clearance from glia and neurons (v) Neurodegeneration/demyelination in congenital lactic acidosis Techniques utilized: primary cell cultures; immunodetection of proteins by fluorescent microscopy and Western blots; protein biochemistry; molecular biology techniques such as Southern and Northern blots, PCR mediated genotyping and cloning, in vivo and in vitro models of neurodegenerative conditions.

Professor and Chief, Department of Pediatrics, Gastroenterology Division

Phone:  392-6410

Email:  novakda@peds.ufl.edu

Project Description:  Our laboratory is interested in the pathophysiology of normal fetal development, particularly as related to fetal nutrition.  Our primary focus is upon placental function and the passage of nutrients across the placenta from mother to fetus.  We utilize a variety of models (in vivo animal models, isolated cells, human placenta) and techniques in our efforts.  The eventual goal of our research is to understand the mechanisms and regulation of nutrient transfer from mother to fetus, thus allowing the development of effective therapies for common disorders such as intrauterine growth retardation, which currently adversely impact the health of infants worldwide.

Co-Director Movement Disorders Center, Departments of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry

Office Phone:  392-3491;  Fax:  392-6893

E-mail:  okun@neurology.ufl.edu

Web:  http://www.neurology.ufl.edu/Okun/home.html

Project Description:  Parkinson's Disease, Tremor, Dystonia, Tourette, and other Movement Disorders, Microelectrode Recording, Deep Brain Stimulation, Ablative Surgery, Mood, Cognitive, and Non-motor Features of Movement Disorders, Quantitative Analysis of deficits in Movement Disorders

Keith C. Ozaki, M.D.

Associate Professor, Department of Surgery

Phone:  376-1611, ext. 6470

E-mail:  ozaki@surgery.ufl.edu

Web:  http://www.surgery.ufl.edu/FacultyProfile.asp?FacultyID=376

Project Description:  Vascular Surgery.  We have several projects relating to basic vascular biology (basic science research). Specific topics include the blood vessel wall's response to hemodynamics, inflammation, and human vascular disease.  These topics are attacked by way of animal models, biochemistry, and cellular and molecular biology. More information is available at http://www.vascularsurgery.ufl.edu/  (follow RESEARCH links)

Assistant Professor, Department of Pathology, Immunology & Laboratory Medicine
Office Phone:  392-6261;  Fax:  392-6249
Senior Secretary:  Lorraine McKenna 392-2886

E-mail:  petersen@pathology.ufl.edu

Web:  http://www.pathology.ufl.edu/~petersen/

Project Description:  Currently my lab focuses on liver growth, development and regeneration under normal and carcinogeneic conditions. Compensatory hyperplasia of the liver, most often referred to as liver regeneration, takes place after the occurrence of mild or severe injury, as resulting from a surgical partial hepatectomy or the widespread injury caused by hepatotoxic agents like carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) or acetaminophen. We are currently studying the molecular signals involved in the regenerative process.  A more focused aspect of our research deals with the hepatic oval "stem" cell and their involvement in the hepatic architecture as it pertains to the regenerative process. Hepatic oval "stem" cells are a small sub-population of cells found in the liver when hepatocyte proliferation is impeded and followed by some type of hepatic injury. The hepatic stem cells can be stimulated to proliferate using a 2-AAF/hepatic injury (i.e. CCl4, PHx) protocol. These cells are believed to be bipotential, able to differentiate into hepatocytes and bile ductular cells. We have recently shown that the hepatic oval cell are derived from an extra-hepatic source, see Science 284:1168-1170. We are investigating the pathways involved in the recruitment of bone marrow derived to the liver in both in vivo and in vitro conditions. In addition, we are exploring the use of a highly pure population of oval cells to ascertain their potential for gene/cell therapy techniques.

Assistant Professor, Department of Medicine, Hematology/Oncology Division

Phone:  846-1749, 392-7346

E-mail:  reddyvs@medicine.ufl.edu

Web:  http://www.medicine.ufl.edu/hemaonc/reddy.shtml

Project Description:  Dr. Reddy's research interests are in the field of cancer and immunology relating to bone marrow and blood stem cell transplantation.  The focus is on immune reconstitution of patients undergoing transplantation for cancers such as leukemia.  We are studying

specialized immune cells called dendritic cells and are evaluating these cells in new treatments such as cancer vaccines.  In addition, the

research studies the effects of blood growth factors and proteins called cytokines on the immune system and cancer.  The research is both

laboratory and patient based clinical research and should provide the appropriate student with knowledge of translational research in medicine.

Assistant Professor, Departments of Anesthesiology, Physiology & Functional Genomics, and Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Office Phone:  392-4774;  Lab Phone 392-3701;  Fax:  846-1491 

E-mail: rrogers@anest.ufl.edu

Project Description:  Two areas of primary interest, both of which are basic research.  (1) Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAchR) in mammalian non-neuronal cells and their effects on the transcriptional regulation of the gene, manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD), the relationship between nAchR stimulation and MnSOD expression in the development of atherosclerosis and cancer.  (2) Application of nanotechnology as a tool for understanding the differential gene expression patterns in cancer cells with the goals of earlier diagnosis, assessment of response to therapy, and detection of recurrence.  Projects available to medical students include: (1) the role of nicotine exposure (from smoking) in the development of chronic pain and the role of superoxide anions by altering manganese superoxide dismutase gene expression in cell culture model;  and (2) investigation of other target oncogenes in breast cancer cell culture model for applications of nanotechnology models.

Assistant Professor of Surgery, UF Shands Jacksonville, UF Shands Cancer Center
Phone:  (904) 244-1767;  Fax:  (904) 244-1284
E-mail:  charles.rosser@jax.ufl.edu

Web:  http://www.shandsjacksonville.com/public/find/bio.asp?id=2318

Project Description:  Our lab is actively involved in research on the function and regulation of tumor suppressors including PTEN and p53. In particular we seek to understand how down-regulation of PTEN and over-expression of an oncogene, Bcl-2 affects response to radiation. Interested students are invited to participate in projects to study functions and regulation of tumor suppressors using approaches based on molecular and cellular biology, including cell culture, recombinant DNA techniques, protein analysis, as well as in vivo experiments. Our projects are laboratory-based basic research. Requirements: The most important qualifications are interest and enthusiasm in the research we are conducting. Biology/Biochemistry background, familiarity with computers, and lab experience are useful but not required.

Professor, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Maternal-Fetal Medicine Division

Director of Research in Obstetrics & Gynecology, UFHSC/Jax

Phone:  (904) 244-3120

E-mail:  luis.sanchez@jax.ufl.edu

Project Description:   The main areas of perinatal research with which I am highly involved are:  (1) cervical ripening and labor induction;  (2) hypertensive disorders of pregnancy;  (3) reducing the cesarean delivery rate;  (4) vaginal breech delivery;  and (5) evidence-based medicine meta-analysis (RCTs, Observational, and of diagnostic accuracy).

Assistant Professor, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology 

Phone:  392-4195;  Pager: 413-3440

E-mail:  saxonma@peds.ufl.edu

Project Description:  This laboratory investigates neonatal platelet function. The principle research focus is to understand differences in platelet function between neonates and adults. The research project will involve examining the effects of platelet agonists (both established and experimental) on neonatal platelet function using three different assays. The first is the PFA-100, the second is platelet aggregometry, and the third is platelet activation via flow cytometry. Cord blood samples will be collected from both term and preterm subjects and then analyzed using the different techniques.

Professor, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery & Rehabilitation

Office Phone:  273-7000, Secretary Elaine

E-mail:  mark-scarborough@ufl.edu

Project Description:  Clinical outcome studies in musculoskeletal oncology and pathology. This includes bone and soft tissue tumors. Investigations include survival and response to surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy. Evaluation of surgical reconstructive procedures following resection of tumors are also done. The research is clinically related.

Professor, Departments of Obstetrics & Gynecology, and Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

Phone:  392-4060

E-mail:  schultzg@obgyn.ufl.edu

Web:  http:/www.obgyn.ufl/research

Project Description:  Wound healing is a complex biological process involving the integrated actions of cytokines, growth factors, proteases and receptors. My laboratory is investigating ways to modulate wound healing using transient expression of genes delivered to wound cells by plasmids and virus vectors. Medical students would work with graduate students and post-doctoral fellows on projects that include constructing packing plasmids that express antisense oligos, ribozymes, or growth factors, and evaluating these plasmids and viral vectors for effects on healing of wounds in an ischemic rat skin wound model.

Associate Professor, Department of Neuroscience

Office Phone:  392-3598;  Lab Phone:  294-0036

E-mail:  rowland@mbi.ufl.edu

Web: http://www.mbi.ufl.edu/~rowland

Project Description:  My research is focused on two different scientific problems. The first is to development viral vector gene replacement strategies for treatment of inherited retinal disease. The disease we focus on is Leber congenital amaurosis- type 1, a disease that produces blindness in newborn infants. A second emphasis in these studies is to develop a regulatable promoter system for use in viral vectors. The second scientific problem being investigated in my laboratory is to understand identify the cells within retina that contain circadian clocks and to determine how these clocks are synchonized to each other and are entrained to light. To address these scientific questions we use molecular, biochemical, histological, embryological and cell culture techniques. Please visit our laboratory website to obtain more detail about our research program.