My research is focused on gonadal cell proliferation and differentiation in both normal and disease states. The primary objective is to identify endocrine, paracrine and autocrine regulators of testicular and ovarian cell proliferation and differentiation and function. We are investigating the expression, regulation, biological effects and mechanism of action of these factors during testicular development and during folliculogenesis. We are also investigating the intracellular mechanisms involved in the effects of growth factors (especially transforming growth factors) on proliferation of prostate cancer cells. The mechanisms by which environmental endocrine disruptors cause disease states (such as diminished fertility and testicular/prostate cancer) are also being investigated in my laboratory.
Another major project addresses the molecular characterization, regulation and mechanism of action of a novel gonadal protein, named steroidogenesis-inducing protein (SIP). SIP was isolated from human ovarian follicular fluid and belongs to a novel family of human proteins. SIP stimulates steroidogenesis in testicular, ovarian and adrenal cells and is a potent mitogen for several gonadal cell types including the ovarian epithelial cancer cells. We propose that SIP not only plays a significant physiological role during the normal ovarian cycle but may also be involved in development and/or maintenance of ovarian epithelial cancers.