Anson Lowe

Research/Lab website:   Lowe Laboratory

My laboratory is focused on the biology of the pancreas and esophagus and their associated diseases. Using animal models and materials from human subjects, we have used DNA microarrays to characterize the gene expression profile of acute pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer, and esophageal cancer. The resultant data has led to a focus on the development of diagnostic assays and the identification of novel genes that participate in disease pathogenesis. Current studies utilize overexpression and RNA interference techniques in cell lines and animal models to explore the role of specific genes in disease.

Barrett's esophagus is a premalignant lesion for esophageal adenocarcinoma, a cancer whose incidence has risen rapidly in the United States. Esophageal reflux, commonly known as heartburn, is believed to increase the risk of Barrett's esophagus and cancer. We have also used DNA microarrays to obtain the gene expression profile of Barrett's esophagus and esophageal adenocarcinoma, and are currently conducting studies to determine the effects of acid and bile reflux on esophageal cells.

One advantage of Barrett's esophagus is that it is very accessible via endoscopic technology, which provides an opportunity to identify and remove precancerous lesions. A major problem is that current approaches for identifying tissues at high risk for transformation to esophageal cancer is poor. We are actively developing assays to easily identify patients who harbor tissues that are at high risk for transformation into cancer.