My laboratory is interested in how cellular interactions with extracellular matrix regulate cell behavior during inflammation, wound healing and tumorigenesis. One major direction involves studying the biological function of integrins, which are a family of cell adhesion receptors that mediate interactions of cells with extracellular matrix and cell surfaces. These receptors are critical in important biological processes such as angiogenesis, leukocyte diapedesis, and tumor metastasis. Ongoing studies are directed at understanding the role of particular integrins in several processes.
Angiogenesis is defined as the growth of new capillaries from pre-existing blood vessels.
This process is now being recognized as a major regulator of tumor growth in vivo . An understanding of how angiogenesis is controlled may lead to novel approaches to anti-tumor therapy. Influence of disulfide reducing agents, divalent cations and phorbol ester. Davis, G.E. and Camarillo, C.W. Regulation of endothelial cell morphogenesis by integrins, mechanical forces, and matrix guidance pathways.