Uterine fibroids are the most common pelvic tumors in women and are the primary indication for hysterectomy in the US.  Our laboratory is interested in understanding the signaling pathways used by various growth factors to regulate proliferation and differentiation of fibroid smooth muscle cells.  We are particularly interested in the role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) as signaling molecules in these cells.  Our recent studies have shown that when fibroid smooth muscle cells are stimulated with growth factors such as PDGF or EGF there is a rise in ROS production in these smooth muscle cells.  We are now examining the effects of ROS inhibitors on proliferation of fibroid smooth muscle cells, the role of ROS as regulators of collagen production, and will determine what protein kinases are turned on by ROS in these cells.  Our laboratory is also investigating the use of anti-fibrotic compounds such as interferons and halofuginone as potential therapeutic treatments for uterine fibroids. 

Fibroid cells are shown under bright field microscope on the right. The same cells are shown on the left. The red fluorescence indicates reactive oxygen species induced by PDGF treatment.