Cancer Cell Regulation

We have extensive expertise in diverse aspects of cancer cell biology including DNA replication and repair, epigenetics, RNA biology, metabolism and cell signaling. Projects focus on emerging research areas including cancer stem cell analysis, single cell transcriptomic, epigenomic and proteomic analysis, chromatin structure analysis, RNA splicing and regulation, and tumor bioenergetics.

Tumor Microenvironment

Our faculty and trainees study bidirectional interactions of cancer cells with their microenvironment, including the role of inflammatory factors and signals, and of immune cells, in regulating cancer cell growth, cancer progression and response to therapy. We collaborate to capitalize on the strengths of the UAB Program in Immunology to characterize immune and inflammatory responses to tumors.

Cancer Therapeutics

The Division explores mechanisms of resistance to cancer treatment, factors determining response and resistance of individual cancers to treatment (precision medicine), identification of novel targets and development of novel therapeutic strategies and cancer chemoprevention (a particular strength in our institution). Our program profits from many unique resources, such as the UAB cyclotron and advanced imaging facility, the Pharmacometrics core, and the Alabama Drug Development Initiative. Specifically, the ADDI is a consortium between UAB and the Southern Research Institute (SR), which supports identification of cancer therapeutic candidates against novel targets using SR’s expertise in library screening and chemistry, and the clinical trials and phase one unit of the O'Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center at UAB.

Cancer Outcomes

A particular strength is our investigation of factors determining cancer outcomes across all diseases, all ages and across the entire trajectory of disease. Faculty and trainees enjoy the considerable expertise and resources of the Institute for Cancer Outcomes and Survivorship, and UAB's overall strength in conducting outcomes research.

Hematologic Disorders

The UAB Comprehensive Sickle Cell Center has led multiple clinical research studies, many of which have already been translated into improved patient care for this population. The principal investigators in the Center are in constant pursuit of knowledge that will provide improved therapies and ultimately cure this genetic disease. Our benign hematology physicians are expert at managing all types of blood, bleeding and clotting disorders.