Cancer is a complex disease involving the interaction of many genetic pathways and environmental factors. Although huge strides have been made by the identification of oncogene and tumor suppressor genes, comprehensive understanding of human cancer has been hampered by the genetic heterogeneity of human populations and the complex environments in which we live. To attempt to gain better understanding of the genetic components of human cancer, we use the mouse as a model system. The availability of homozygously inbred mice and a controlled environment enable the identification of low penetrance or susceptibility genes and genetic pathways that are important in the initiation and progression of malignant disease.

The major focus of my laboratory is the identification and analysis of genetic components of cancer. My laboratory uses the mouse as a model to explore the complex genetic interactions that may play an important role in two types of cancer; breast cancer initiation and metastatic progression and hepatacellular carcinoma. Due to the complexity of susceptibility to these neoplasias, identification of genes responsible for susceptibility would be an extremely difficult task in human systems. As a result we are utilizing the mouse to identify genetic factors that contribute to the diseases, prior to analyzing them in human populations.