Oncology and Cancer Cell Biology
Cancer research at the Department of Physiological Sciences spans basic cell biology to translational oncology, with a strong emphasis on comparative and precision medicine. Embracing a OneHealth framework, the Department aims to unify human and veterinary oncology by seeking therapeutic innovations to combat naturally occurring cancers in companion animals to gain additional insight into human disease.
Our researchers lead a vibrant and interdisciplinary cancer research initiative investigating tumor initiation, progression, and therapeutic vulnerabilities using innovative models and advanced platforms. Major focus areas include the molecular mechanisms of oncogenesis, cancer stemness, epigenetic regulation, radiation science, and tumor microenvironment dynamics. The Department’s integrative strategy for advancing cancer treatment includes contributions from multiple faculty research programs, with research emphasizing oxidative stress, DNA repair pathways, and intracellular signaling—core pillars of cancer cell biology.
Translational and cross-disciplinary research teams are critical, and integrating diverse disciplines such as pharmacology, toxicology, and immunology allows us a unique opportunity to address complex cancer challenges. With an extensive group of both Basic Science and Clinical Principal Investigators, and a thriving community of postdoctoral and graduate researchers, the Department cultivates a fertile ground for cancer research that spans molecular discovery to clinical application. Its efforts are supported by substantial funding from federal agencies like the National Institutes of Health and the Department of Defense, as well as state and private foundations, underscoring its national impact and scientific excellence.