Cancer Progression and Metastasis
Research focus is on the mechanisms of tumor invasion and metastatic spread. Major
concerns are:
- The role of proteases, in particular, Matrix Metalloproteinases (MMPs), in host tissue
degradation; the influence of host-tumor cell-cell interactions and matrix-cell interactions
on the regulation of synthesis and release of these enzymes; The MMPs secretion pattern
of tumors in vivo, in vitro, and in the sera of cancer patients at various stages
of tumor progression; Evaluation of, cytokeratin fragments such as, (Cyfra 21-1),
as tumor markers in Oral, Head and Neck cancer.
- ProteinChip Array analysis of protein expression patterns during tumor progression
by SELDI-TOF, mass spectrometry to identify tumor markers in Oral, Head and Neck cancer,
in particular; “Markers of Invasion”, and “Markers of Metastasis”.
- Tumor Cell Motility: the role of tumor-derived chemotactic cytokines in facilitating
the invasive growth and metastatic spread of tumor cells, with major focus on the
autocrine motility factor(s).
Periodontal Disease
Research focus is on the molecular basis of connective tissue alterations during periodontal
disease; the role of inflammatory cells in the modulation of fibroblast function;
the mechanism of gingival fibrosis (hereditary and drug-induced); and the cellular
activity at the tissue-implant interface; Effect of natural products and anti-inflammatory
agents on oral tissues.
PubMed search for Dr. Mustafa Dabbous
