I received my doctorate in Developmental
Biology from The Ohio State University in 1975 for work in the area of
tissue and organ regeneration and my research remains focused on cellular
and molecular regulatory mechanisms in regenerative growth. Our primary
experimental model is the amphibian limb, the most dramatic example of
regeneration among vertebrates, and we are currently studying the expression
of genes that control the balance between scarring and regeneration in that
system. Having formerly taught various courses in embryology, I have
concentrated on the undergraduate and medical cell biology and histology
courses since arriving at IUSM – Bloomington in 1982. My major goal in these
courses is to help students learn basic aspects of cell and tissue
structures in a way that strengthens their understanding of material in
other basic science courses and provides a strong foundation for the study
of pathology and medicine.
Dr. John Foley
The major research tool used to probe
questions of skin biology in my lab is the transgenic mouse. Currently I am
using PTHrP overexpression mice, PTHrP-knock out mice and PTH/PTHrP
receptor-knock out mice to study PTHrP's role in the regulation of
keratinocyte differentiation. Based upon information already obtained from
the PTHrP transgenic mice, we are developing functional studies on wound
healing, sunburn and the development of human skin equivalents.
Overexpression of PTHrP not only causes HHM, but also appears to be involved
in the metastasis of breast cancers to bone.
