Research Projects

Second Harmonic Generation in tumors

Tumor metastasis is a critical event in breast cancer progression, hence novel approaches to predict and prevent metastasis would be of great clinical value. We have recently found that a novel property within tumors - the nature of the internal structure of collagen fibers – can provide useful information about tumor metastasis. This property can be studied via an optical process called Second Harmonic Generation (SHG).

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In vivo Multiphoton Fluorescence Recovery After Photobleaching

Multiphoton Fluorescence Recovery After Photobleaching (MP-FRAP) is a microscopy technique used to measure the diffusion coefficient of fluorescently tagged macromolecules, and can be applied to both in vitro and in vivo biological systems. The power of MP-FRAP lies in its ability to probe thick tissue with 3D resolution.

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Multiphoton-excited phosphorescence lifetimes to measure tissue p02

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The sympathetic nervous system and breast cancer progression

Women diagnosed with breast cancer experience chronic stress, but the impact of such stress on tumor development is not well understood. We have explored the role of an important stress pathway, sympathetic nervous system release of norepinephrine and epinephrine, in tumor growth and metastasis. Our current focus is on the intersection of sympathetic innervation and collagen fiber structure as quantified with SHG microscopy.

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