Assistant Professor of Dermatology
Field:
Expertise:
Dermatology, cosmetic dermatology, dermatologic surgery, skin cancer, sun protection
Description:
In the laboratory of Valentina Greco, I study how skin cancer originates from mutations in single cells, before a tumor has formed. We use live imaging technology to track these single cells over time in a living animal. Our research has shown that our skin uses mechanisms inherent in normal homeostasis to get rid of mutated cells and to even resolve aberrant growths that have formed. Our research suggests that normal cells can detect mutated neighbors and participate in the process of eliminating these mutated cells from the tissue.