Unraveling the Pathology of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
We investigate the intricate molecular and cellular mechanisms driving prostate tissue remodeling. Our research focuses on the critical interplay between epithelial cells and the surrounding stroma, identifying key signaling pathways that lead to fibrosis and inflammation. By bridging histology with molecular biology, we aim to uncover novel therapeutic targets for managing BPH pathology and preserving urinary function.
Deciphering the role of foam cells in BPH
One of our recent key findings is that macrophages migrate to the prostate lumen, where they take up lipids and become foam cells. We identified that these cells express genes that encode known secreted pathological factors, including VEGF, TGF-β1 and osteopontin, proposing an unfavorable role for this cell type. Our studies investigate how macrophages traffic to the lumen and how secreted factors that they produce affect prostate pathology.
Our studies established that intraepithelial and intraluminal lipid accumulation are hallmarks of benign prostatic hyperplasia. We currently investigate what lipid species are involved in this process and how lipid accumulation affects prostate histology and urinary function.
Prostatic lipid accumulation
Epithelial modulators of inflammation
Expressional analysis of prostates from mice with steroid hormone-induced LUTD identified serum amyloid A1 (SAA1) and CXCL17 as key upregulated pro-inflammatory genes. Our current studies aim to decipher their role in prostate pathology and immune cell modulation.
Molecular & Imaging Approaches
Advanced Histology
We utilize high-resolution microscopy and specialized tissue staining protocols to visualize cellular architecture and pathological changes in BPH models.
Imaging Pipelines
Our lab integrates multi-modal imaging techniques, including MRI and optical coherence tomography, to map tissue remodeling and fibrosis in real-time.
Gene Expression
We analyze molecular signatures of epithelial-stromal interactions through RNA sequencing and qPCR to identify key drivers of tissue remodelling.
Functional Mapping
By combining molecular biology with functional imaging, we correlate specific gene expression patterns with urinary function and inflammatory markers.