Research

Both basic and applied research in my laboratory is focused on the integrity of mucosal surfaces and how changes in mucosal integrity are involved in disease processes at mucosal surfaces. Our studies include:

• the interaction of endogenous carbohydrate binding proteins ( lectins ) secreted at mucosal surfaces with the complex carbohydrates which bathe and protect the mucosa.
• the role of lectins in the regulation of complex carbohydrate secretion.
• the development and efficacy of mucosal immunity.
• bacterial attachment and the formation of bacterial biofilms at mucosal surfaces.
• the development of new technologies to study biofilm formation and eradication at mucosal interfaces.
• the development of a Giardia vaccine.

Research in Progress

• The role of lectins in maintaining mucosal surface integrity:
  • Lectins and the regulation of intestinal mucin secretion.
  • Changes in lectins and mucins in mucosal diseases of the urogenital tract.
  • Models of bacterial and nonbacterial prostatitis.
• Lectins in immune development.
• Calgary Biofilm Device for the study of antibiotic sensitivity of Biofilm organisms.
• Giardia vaccine.