THEME NO.1: WOMEN’S REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH
This theme includes research efforts on gonadal development (Heckert), fertility (Albertini), and pregnancy (Hunt, Soares, Weiner). The research efforts of Dr. Paul Terranova and Dr. Kenneth Audus are listed in other themes (Pathogenesis of Diseases Prevalent in Women and Drug Design, Drug Delivery, and Pharmacogenomics) but also fit well within the Women’s Reproductive Health theme.
Gonadal Development and Fertility
David Albertini, Ph.D.
Hall Family Professor, Department of Molecular & Integrative Physiology
University of Kansas School of Medicine
Research Plan. The Albertini laboratory studies basic mechanisms underlying female fertility with respect to reproductive aging and the quality of oocytes produced during the pre and peri-menopausal periods. We are focused on three areas of research: (1) identifying the cellular interactions that regulate the development of the ovarian follicle in human and animal models that will allow for the control of oogenesis in genetically modified mice and under culture conditions. (2) to understand the variations in cell cycle control that occur during oocyte growth, maturation and during the pre-implantation period development that lead to appropriate segregation on the inner cell mass and trophectoderm precursors required to establish a normal pregnancy. (3) to optimize culture conditions for the study of gametes and embryos that will give rise to healthy offspring after genetic and micromanipulation modifications that allow for the assessment of metabolism and gene expression in living materials. The laboratory aims to define the effects of maternal health on the determinants of oocytes that influence their developmental potential particularly as it relates to age related increases in birth defects and the health of children produced by assisted reproductive technologies such as in virto fertilization and intracytoplasmic sperm injection. IWHR Scholars will receive exposure to molecular and cell biology technologies relevant to investigations on gamete development and aging.
Leslie H. Heckert, Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Department of Molecular & Integrative Physiology
University of Kansas School of Medicine
Research Plan. Currently Dr. Heckert’s Laboratory is investigating the molecular events involved in activating and regulating genes important for the development and function of the reproductive organs. Of particular interest are the genes responsible for the production of doublesex and mab-3 related transcription factor 1, an evolutionarily conserved protein that is required for gonadal differentiation, and steroidogenic factor 1, a protein that is required for the formation of adrenal glands and gonads. These proteins, and consequently the genes that are responsible for their production, are critical for proper fetal development and gonad function. Research in the Heckert laboratory is designed to help solve the mystery surrounding the events important to the production of these proteins and their roles in sex determination. In humans, sex is determined by the presence or absence of the Y chromosome. Individuals with a Y chromosome develop testes, while individuals that lack a Y chromosome develop ovaries. Occasionally the chromosomal makeup of an individual does not correspond to their sex, revealing that a mutation has occurred in a gene critical to either testis or ovarian development. The genes we are studying are implicated in XY sex reversal. Their studies seek to understand how these genes are responsible for this abnormality and will provide a greater understanding of the processes directing cell-specific gene expression, gonad development, and sex determination. IWHR Scholars will be exposed to a training environment that includes molecular and cellular research strategies, the development and characterization of mutant mouse models, and group interactions with members of the Heckert research team.
Pregnancy
Joan S. Hunt, Ph.D.
University Distinguished Professor, Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology
Vice Chancellor for Research
University of Kansas School of Medicine
Research Plan. The Hunt laboratory investigates immunological aspects of pregnancy. In order to understand how semiallogeneic embryos are protected against maternal immune cells and their products, they study macrophages in the uterus and placenta and the expression, regulation and functions of placental transplantation antigens (HLA). Limited recognition of the semiallogeneic fetus by the maternal immune system has a beneficial effect on fertility and maintenance of pregnancy. Dr. Hunt's laboratory studies one product of activated immune cells, the multifunctional polypeptide growth factor, tumor necrosis factor, and other members of this supergene family, which might be among the "recognition signals" that contribute to successful pregnancy. IWHR Scholars will be exposed to a training environment that includes molecular and cellular research strategies, with an emphasis on understanding immunological mechanisms active at the maternal-fetal interface. The experience will also include group interactions with members of the Hunt laboratory.
Michael J. Soares, Ph.D.
Professor, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine
Director, Institute of Maternal-Fetal Biology
University of Kansas School of Medicine
Research Plan. Pregnancy is a complicated biological process that requires a dynamic interaction between embryonic and maternal tissues. The Soares laboratory investigates molecular mechanisms and signaling events involved in the establishment and maintenance of pregnancy. They have focused on studying cell differentiation in an extraembryonic tissue, the placenta, and in a uterine structure referred to as decidua. These tissues develop in concert with the embryo, form intimate relationships with each other, and enable the embryo to have access to and to control the availability of maternal resources. Differentiation of both trophoblast and decidual cells is crucial to the establishment of pregnancy and the growth and development of the embryo/fetus. Research in the Soares laboratory currently includes investigations on the prolactin gene family, intrauterine inflammatory and immune cells, uterine vasculature, and signaling pathways controlling the growth and differentiation of decidual and trophoblast cells. These scientific pursuits directly impact the understanding of key diseases of pregnancy, including preeclampsia and intrauterine growth restriction. IWHR Scholars will be exposed to a training environment that includes molecular and cellular research strategies, the development and characterization of mutant mouse models, and group interactions with members of the Soares research team.
Carl P. Weiner, M.D., M.B.A.
The Kermit Krantz Professor and Chair
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Professor, Molecular and Integrative Physiology
Member, Institute of Maternal-Fetal Biology
Research Expertise: Perinatal/Maternal-Fetal Biology
THEME NO. 2: MATERNAL HEALTH
This theme includes research related to maternal behavior and breast-feeding (Carlson, Levant, Wambach). Drs. Carlson and Levant have an active collaboration. The research efforts of Dr. Karen Wambach also fit within the Prevention and Intervention theme.
Susan E. Carlson, Ph.D.
Midwest Dairy Association Professor of Nutrition, Department of Dietetics and Nutrition
University of Kansas School of Allied Health
Research Plan. The Carlson lab and collaborations involve studies focused on the optimal nutritional intake for the developing fetus and newborn. A particular interest of our groups is docosahexaneoic acid (DHA) found in all human milk but only recently added to infant formula in the US (2002). We are using molecular and cellular techniques to study this and other components of human milk that are not in infant formula, especially components known to influence membrane structure-function relationships in conjunction with DHA. In other ongoing collaborations we are using a “clinically relevant” model of brain DHA reduction to study the effects of early DHA deprivation and timing of remediation on adult dopamine related behaviors and cortical electrophysiology. Lastly, we are doing clinical studies in collaboration with the University of Kansas Department of Psychology that are designed to determine the dose-related effects of providing DHA to the fetus or infant on infant/toddler attention, distractibility, vision and memory. IWHR Scholars will be exposed to a training environment that includes randomized clinical trials, work with an animal model of “clinically relevant” reduction in normal brain DHA, molecular and cellular research strategies, and multidisciplinary research collaborations that focus on studies of early nutrition as related to neuropharmacology, infant brain development and behavior, brain imaging, and electrophysiology. IWHR Scholars would also have the opportunity, if interested, to interact with faculty in other disciplines such as behavioral psychology, neurology and psychiatry.
Beth Levant, Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology, & Therapeutics
University of Kansas School of Medicine
Research Plan. Alterations in brain long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (LC-PUFA) composition, particularly decreased docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), are implicated as a contributing factor in depression and psychosis. The Levant laboratory investigates how fetal demands for DHA affects maternal brain levels of this fatty acid and how depletion of maternal brain DHA as a result of pregnancy and lactation contributes to increased sensitivity to stress. In humans, this increased sensitivity may increase vulnerability to postpartum mental illnesses such as postpartum depression and psychosis, consistent with the diathesis-stress model. Research in the Levant laboratory currently includes determination of the effects of pregnancy and lactation on levels of DHA and other LC-PUFAs in brain and erythrocytes using a rat model. The effects of altered brain LC-PUFA composition in the postpartum period on physiological, neurochemical, and behavioral parameters known to underlie depressive or psychotic illness are currently under study. Together, these experiments will determine whether reproductive activity and the resulting alterations in maternal brain LC-PUFA composition are likely to contribute to increased sensitivity to stress, which may contribute to postpartum depression and/or psychosis in women. IWHR Scholars will be part of an interdisciplinary research team composed of neuroscientists, pharmacologists, and nutritionists involved in both basic and clinical research and utilizing research approaches incorporating behavioral, physiological, neurochemical, molecular, and proteomics methods.
Karen Wambach, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
University of Kansas School of Nursing
Research Plan. In 2002 approximately 426,000 U.S. adolescents between the ages of 15 and 19 years gave birth. Many health and social issues surround these mothers and their infants, including the lower likelihood that they will initiate breastfeeding and if initiated, do so for a shorter time than their adult counterparts. Given the significant health and social benefits of breastfeeding for infants and mothers, interventions for this population are needed. Drawing on the Theory of Planned Behavior, the overall objective of Dr. Wambach’s current clinical trial is to test developmentally sensitive interventions to enhance breastfeeding decision-making and increase the initiation and duration of breastfeeding among disadvantaged adolescent mothers age 15 to 18 years. This is the first large-scale trial targeted at disadvantaged adolescents to improve breastfeeding outcomes and has the potential to positively enhance adolescent mothers’ and their children’s health. IWHR Scholars will be exposed to a training environment that includes all aspects of clinical trial research dealing with improving health behaviors and outcomes, the development of NIH continuation grant applications, and collaboration with members of our diverse research team.
THEME NO. 3: PATHOGENESIS OF DISEASES PREVALENT IN WOMEN
This theme includes investigative efforts focused on gender differences in pain, especially the role of estrogen as a mediator of these differences (Berman, Smith). In addition, research is included on breast, ovarian, and estrogen-dependent cancers (Hagedorn, Li, Terranova). Other research efforts are focused on women caregivers of patients with heart failure, sleep apnea, bowel disorders, adherence to prescribed therapy, and patient-centered outcomes, all related to care of chronic illnesses prevalent in women (C. Smith). Please note that the efforts of Dr. Terranova also fit well within the Women’s Reproductive Health theme.
Neurobiology
Nancy E. Berman, Ph.D.
Professor, Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology
University of Kansas School of Medicine
Research Plan. Temporomandibular joint syndrome, trigeminal neuralgia and migraine occur in women at least twice as often as in men. This overrepresentation of women suggests that ovarian steroids may play a critical role in the pathogenesis of these conditions. Possible mechanisms providing a link between ovarian steroids and these disorders have received little attention because most animal studies modeling these disorders have used males. All three of these conditions are mediated by the trigeminal nerve. Our laboratory focuses on effects of ovarian steroids on the changes in sensory neurons that accompany neuropathic and inflammatory pain. We use normal and transgenic female mice, cell culture, molecular and behavior techniques to examine interactions between estrogen and neuron responses in models of neuropathic and inflammatory pain. IWHR Scholars will be exposed to a training environment that includes molecular and cellular research strategies, reproductive biology, behavior, and neuroscience.
Peter G. Smith, Ph.D.
Professor, Department of Molecular & Integrative Physiology
Director, Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities Research Center
University of Kansas School of Medicine
Research Plan. Peripheral nerve disorders are implicated in many disease states with high rates of incidence in women. Examples include pain disorders such as interstitial cystitis, irritable bowel syndrome, vulvodynia and temporomandibuluar syndrome, and abnormal vascular regulation in Reynaud’s syndrome. Because peripheral neurons and the targets to which they project both express estrogen receptors, estrogen is hypothesized to play a role in the etiology of these disorders. The Smith Laboratory employs multidisciplinary approaches to understand the role of reproductive hormones in mediating structural plasticity of axons within peripheral targets. Research to date has documented that estrogen elicits selective sympathetic axon degeneration within the rodent uterus, leading to widespread depletion of autonomic and sensory nerves within the vagina, and induces increased numbers of sensory vasodilatory fibers within the mammary gland and cutaneous and mesenteric vascular beds. Future studies are directed at understanding molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying hormone-mediated nerve plasticity, and defining behavioral and physiological consequences of altered innervation. These studies will provide insight into sex-based differences in certain pain syndromes and vascular disorders. IWHR Scholars will develop skills directly relevant to investigating biological bases of sex differences in pain and vascular disorders associated with hormone-mediated peripheral nerve plasticity.
Breast, Ovarian, and Estrogen-Dependent Cancers
Curt H. Hagedorn, M.D.
Professor and Director, Division of Gastroenterology/Hepatology, Department of Medicine
University of Kansas School of Medicine
Research Plan. Dr. Hagedorn’s laboratory investigates the role of translational de-repression in breast epithelial cell cancers. The protein synthesis machinery is a major target of oncogenic transformation in breast and other epithelial cancers and is also a target for new therapeutics (eg, rapamycin analogues). However, the topic remains under-studied. mRNAs with 5' UTR structural features that repress translation, such as VEGF, FGF-2, HER-2, and Bcl-2, are predicted to require higher levels of 4E (a rate limiting initiation factor) than other mRNAs. This prediction is supported by tests in model systems. Retroviruses have mutated PI3K and AKT into oncogenes that constitutively increase 4E levels. mTOR (target of rapamycin) kinase increases 4E by releasing a repressor protein. Rapamycin inhibition of mTOR reverses the phenotype of PI3K- or AKT-oncogene transformed cells but not others. 4E itself is also an oncogene, is increased in breast and epithelial cancers, and is associated with tumor progression and invasion. Yet the mechanism of the 4E effect is unknown. The Hagedorn laboratory has cloned tumorigenic cell lines expressing a 4E mutant that decreases their colony size in soft agar. Using this and other systems the Hagedorn team will conduct studies to understand the mechanism of how the quantity of 4E modifies the cancer cell phenotype. I hypothesize that: a) expressing mutant 4E that alters the phenotype of breast cancer cells impairs initiation of translation for VEGF, HER-2, Bcl-2, FGF-2, hypoxia inducible factor (HIF-1alpha) and COX-2 mRNAs; and b) increasing 4E in human mammary epithelial cells (HMECs) stimulates initiation of translation for these mRNAs. Specific Aims are: 1) to test if these mRNAs are translationally repressed in breast cancer cells by expressing a 4E mutant; 2) to test if these mRNAs are translationally activated by increasing wt 4E in HMECs; 3) to test if increased 4E protects these mRNA from degradation; 4) to test the tumorigenic, metastatic, and tissue invasion properties of model breast cancer cell lines expressing an impaired mutant of 4E in mice and correlate these end points with the expression of the mRNAs listed. These studies may identify new strategies in breast cancer therapy or chemoprevention. IWHR Scholars will be exposed to fundamental molecular and cellular strategies for investigating regulatory processes in breast cancer cells.
Jonathan Li, Ph.D.
Professor, Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology, & Therapeutics
University of Kansas School of Medicine
Research Plan. The Li laboratory has research expertise in the fields of hormonal carcinogenesis, hormone-related cancers, experimental oncology, and cellular and molecular endocrinology. These are rapidly growing and highly visible fields in women’s health since breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer in women all over the world. The basic research studies in my laboratory concern the cellular and molecular mechanisms of estrogen oncogenesis in well-established animal models of human breast cancer. Recently, we have developed a paradigm for estrogen-mediated oncogenesis in two animal models that remarkably reflects the molecular events occurring in human ductal carcinomas in-situ and in primary sporadic invasive ductal breast cancer; comprising more than 90% of all breast cancer cases found in women. This paradigm involves an adult mammary stem cell sensitive to estrogen. Based on our data, this molecular sequence involves c-myc/MYC overexpression and cell cycle deregulation. These events lead to the overexpression of mitotic kinases, centrosome amplification, chromosomal instability/aneuploidy, and ultimately breast cancer. This paradigm clearly will provide novel intervention modalities, both in prevention and treatment of human breast cancer. IWHR Scholars will be exposed to cytogenetic, molecular, and cellular research strategies in whole animal models that will be useful in future intervention studies, particularly at the cell cycle and mitotic kinase level.
Paul F. Terranova, Ph.D.
Professor, Department of Molecular & Integrative Physiology,
Director, Center for Reproductive Sciences
University of Kansas School of Medicine
Research Plan. The Terranova laboratory investigates regulatory mechanisms controlling ovarian cancer and normal ovarian function. Dr. Terranova’s laboratory developed a syngeneic mouse model for ovarian cancer that has been useful in delineating the role of Src tyrosine kinase in the onset and progression of this cancer. Inhibtion of Src slows the growth of the cells in vitro and when placed in combination with chemotherapeutic agents leads to further inhibition of growth. These results have been substantiated in vivo as well. Studies are currently underway to determine the intracellular signaling pathways by which Src regulates ovarian cancer cell growth.
Dr. Terranova’s laboratory is also studying factors regulating follicular development, ovulation and fertility with emphasis on the role of Src tyrosine kinase in ovarian function. Studies are directed at understanding 1) why Src knockout mice are infertile 2) the mechanisms by which Src regulates pituitary gonadotropin secretion and 3) molecular control of thecal androgen secretion by Src. Src knokcout mice never ovulate and follicular development is reduced. Current studies indicate the possibility of reduced gonadotropin secretion and thus studies are directed at the role of Src in gonadotropin releasing hormone signaling. Current mouse studies indicate that pharmacological inhibition of Src reduces important transcription factors regulating gonadotropin secretion. In vivo studies in Src knockout mice and appropriate controls are aimed at comprehensively assessing gonadotropin secretion. The hypothesis is that Src knokcout mice are slightly gonadotropin deficient leading to infertility. Additional mouse and human studies are directed at studying mechanisms by which inhibition of Src increases thecal androgen secretion. Current studies indicate that a MAP kinase phosphatase is increased when Src is inhibited. The MAP kinase phosphatase stimulates the dephosphorylation of steroidogenic factor-1 (SF1), which increases the availability of SF1 for binding to the CYP17 promoter. The IWHR Scholars will be exposed to a variety of investigative molecular and integrative approaches using mouse models and human in vitro systems.
Women Caregivers and Chronic Illnesses Prevalent in Women
Carol E. Smith, RN, Ph.D.
Professor, School of Nursing and Adjunct Professor of Preventative Medicine
The University of Kansas Medical Center
Currently funded by National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR) and National Health Lung & Blood (NHLBl) National Institutes of Health (NIH) for “Rural Dwelling Older Adults”: Caregivers Distance Adherence Support, “Technology Home Caregiving with HPN Families” and by KU Research Institute for “Testing Internet Algorithm Support in HPN Caregivers", and for NIH "Heart Failure Group Clinic Appointments With Nurse Practitioners: Rehospitalization Prevention Clinical Trial".
Other current research activities/interests include assisting patients and their family caregivers who manage chronic illnesses such as congestive heart failure and highly technical care in the home. Subjects are families with adults dependent on mechanical respiratory assistance, total parenteral nutrition infusions or other complex devices and all family members including children. Model testing to identify variables associated with cost and quality of life outcomes is ongoing. Interventions being tested include: CPAP adherence support via in-home telehealth, computer systems that guide symptom monitoring, and using algorithm guides for daily technology care, interactive patient education on the Internet dealing with depression, and monitoring economic and human resources of the family. Developed and replicated with SEM and across populations the Caregiving Effectiveness Model into a Midrange Theory to guide practice.
THEME NO. 4: DRUG DESIGN, DRUG DELIVERY, AND PHARMACOGENOMICS
This women’s health research theme includes efforts in drug design (Georg), drug delivery (Audus), and pharmacogenomics (Wan). Thus a range of opportunities exists in the investigation of drug development targeted to women. Please note that the research efforts of Dr. Audus also fit well within the Women’s Reproductive Health theme.
Kenneth L. Audus, Ph.D.
Dean, School of Pharmacy
Professor, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry
University of Kansas School of Pharmacy
Research Plan. The Audus laboratory pursues research on the application of endothelial and epithelial cell and tissue culture systems to study mechanisms of drug transport, metabolism, and tissue permeability regulation. His research has included establishment of tissue culture systems comprised of brain microvessel endothelium (i.e., the blood-brain barrier), alveolar epithelium (i.e., the respiratory epithelial barrier), and trophoblasts (i.e., the placental barrier). In general, Dr. Audus' research group conducts investigations that are directed at developing a basic understanding of drug, tissue, disease, and environmental factors and mechanisms that regulate the distribution of drugs across epithelial and endothelial tissue interfaces into either the systemic circulation or specific tissue compartments from the vasculature. Specific examples of recent and ongoing research projects in Dr. Audus' group have included characterization of nutrient and peptide carriers, catecholamine and peptide regulation of permeability of the blood-brain barrier; macromolecule transfer mechanisms in alveolar epithelium; multidrug resistance and enzyme expression and induction in trophoblasts; and the transport and metabolism of drugs of abuse at the human placental barrier. IWHR Scholars will be exposed to a training environment that includes molecular and cellular research strategies, the development of in vitro models for studying drug transport across the placental barrier, and group interactions with members of the Audus laboratory.
Yu-Jui Yvonne Wan, Ph.D.
Professor, Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology, & Therapeutics
University of Kansas School of Medicine
Research Plan. Representing one of the fastest growing ethnic groups in the United States, Hispanics accounted for 12% of the nation’s population by March 2000, and suffer from higher rates of alcohol related problems as compared with those from other ethnic backgrounds. This notwithstanding, genetic factors that might contribute to alcohol-related risks remain poorly understood. Even less is known about Mexican American women.
Gender represents an extremely important factor in alcohol research. On the one hand, female gender appears to exert a protective effect against excessive drinking and alcoholism. At the same time, for those who are regular drinkers, women are significantly more susceptible than men are to alcohol-induced organ damage. When exposed to equal amounts of alcohol, women performed worse on neuropsychological tests. Females diagnosed with alcoholism were at an increased risk for death from cardiovascular diseases, and were at a higher risk of developing alcoholic liver disease at any given level of alcohol intake. Among Hispanic females, Mexican Americans are less likely to abstain, and are more likely to drink often and heavily, as compared to Cubans and other Hispanics. Therefore, drinking is a serious problem for Mexican American women and its impact on this population will become increasingly visible in the near future. It is thus crucial that we start to systematically examine issues that may contribute to the development of alcohol related problems in Mexican American women.
The focus of one of Wan’s funded studies is to determine genetic mechanisms for alcoholism in Mexican Americans with a special emphasis on women. Results derived from such a study should not only provide for a better understanding of alcohol use and abuse among Mexican Americans, but also contribute towards a knowledge base regarding ethnic and gender differences in alcohol pharmacogenetics and mechanisms that might be responsible for the high rate of alcoholism in this minority population.
Besides clinical research, Wan’s group is also working on gender difference in liver metabolism and carcinogenesis using animal models. IWHR Scholars will have opportunity to learn both clinical and animal research. They will be exposed to a training environment that includes molecular biology, genetics, biochemistry, cellular biology, and statistics.
THEME NO. 5: PREVENTION, INTERVENTION, AND HEALTH DISPARITIES
This women’s health research theme includes behavioral research on the prevention of disease through early detection and intervention (Donnelly) with a focus on health disparities (Thomas). The research efforts of Dr. Karen Wambach are listed in the Maternal Health theme but also fit well within this theme.
Joseph E. Donnelly, ED.D., FACSM
Professor/Director, Energy Balance Laboratory & The Center for Physical Activity and Weight Management, The Schiefelbusch Institute for Lifespan Studies
University of Kansas
Research Plan. Dr. Donnelly is Professor/Director of The Energy Balance Laboratory (EBL) and Center for Physical Activity and Weight Management (Center) at The University of Kansas. The EBL is a 10,000 ft2 state-of-the-art facility designed to precisely measure whole body energy intake and energy expenditure. The whole room indirect calorimeter measures energy expenditure and substrate oxidation and the metabolic kitchen provide precise diets. Current NIH funded investigations (N=5) include resistance training to prevent obesity, a long term investigation of differences in response to exercise for weight loss between men and women, a cafeteria study to investigate levels of fat intake and weight gain, and 2 studies to prevent obesity in elementary school children. The Center supports ongoing weight maintenance research in 6 clinics that are supported by numerous foundations and industry funding. IWHR Scholars will be exposed to energy balance techniques and clinical strategies for weight loss and weight maintenance in both children and adults and the resulting impact on comorbid risk factors for the metabolic syndrome.
Patricia A. Thomas, M.A., M.D.
Professor and Chair, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine
Associate Dean in the Office of Cultural Enhancement and Diversity
University of Kansas School of Medicine
Research Plan. Despite remarkable advances in science and health, health disparities exist across America’s populations. These disparities are striking in minority groups and among women within these groups. Dr. Thomas’ research has been directed to developing and testing biomarkers in breast cancer, both in cytology and tissue specimens, focusing initially on testing human breast cancer tissues and cells for evidence of biological differences in breast cancer. Dr. Thomas’ research interests have evolved to include a health services research approach to studying disparities in health, in general, and racial/ethnic differences in breast cancer experience. Currently, they are looking at Racial/ethnic variations in utilization and access to diagnostic and research modalities as well as the variations in cytologic patterns of benign lesions that might presage malignant transformation in the human breast. IWHR Scholars will be exposed to research strategies that focus on health disparities related to breast cancer.
©
The University of Kansas Medical Center