My research focuses on the functional role of microRNA (miRNA) molecules in benign and malignant diseases of the female reproductive tract, in particular, endometrial cancer, endometriosis, and endometriosis-associated ovarian cancers. These diseases all revolve around a common theme of endometrial dysfunction. The translational questions surrounding these diseases come from routine gynecologic practice as seen through the eyes of a physician scientist. Endometriosis, endometrium in an ectopic location, affects up to 10% of reproductive age women. Endometrial cancer affects 1 in 38 women. Endometriosis-associated ovarian cancers, the endometrioid and clear-cell histotypes of ovarian cancer, comprise 20% of epithelial ovarian cancers, with women with endometriosis being at 50% increased risk of these deadly cancers. Thus, community gynecologists commonly see these diseases, but the underlying pathogenesis is still not fully understood. To study these diseases of the endometrium, we have successfully used a combination of next-generation sequencing, human tissue samples, mouse models, and in vitro culture systems. The main focus of my lab will be: 1) The impact of Dicer heterozygosity in aberrant miRNA processing in aggressive endometrial cancer and 2) The mechanism of ARID1A in endometriosis-associated ovarian cancers
Fellowship - Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 2011
Fellowship - Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 2008
Residency - Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 2006
M.D. - Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 2002
Ph.D. - Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 2001
