Associate Professor of Urology

Associate Professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

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Research Programs and Affiliations
Biomedical Sciences Program
Urology

Education & Fellowships
Fellowship: National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD, 2013
Fellowship: University of London, UK, 2007
PhD: University of London, UK, 2004

Previous Appointments
National Institutes of Health, 2007–2013
University of London, UK, 1999–2007

Research Interests
Extracellular kinase signaling
Extracellular chaperone function
Targeting extracellular signaling networks in urological cancers

Associations/Memberships
American Association for Cancer Research (AACR)
American Urological Association (AUA)

Languages Spoken (Other Than English)
Greek

Research Abstract
Tumor cell growth and migration begin with the secretion of proteolytic enzymes that degrade the extracellular matrix (ECM) followed by an invasion of the tumor vasculature leading to initiation of metastasis. Matrix Metalloproteases (MMPs) and their endogenous inhibitors (TIMPs) are key components of extracellular proteolysis and regulators of the tumor microenvironment (TME). Identification of ways to inhibit early matrix proteolysis would enhance our ability to target early tumor development and prevent metastatic potential. Studies have suggested that MMP/TIMP balance is shifted towards MMP activation during cancer progression.

Our laboratory investigates molecular mechanisms of MMPs and TIMPs regulation in the extracellular space that impact homeostasis and cancer progression. Current areas of research includes: (1) How c-Src mediated tyrosine phosphorylation of TIMP-2 affects extracellular proteolysis, (2) The role of TIMP-2 as a regulator of extracellular protein homeostasis, (3) Targeting extracellular kinase signaling for the development of novel cancer therapies.

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ORCHID ID

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8567-2775

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Scopus Profile

https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=6603388238