Robert Ferrell Professor, CLI Executive Committee

I am a human geneticist interested in lymphatic function.  My research involves the identification of genes in which mutations cause the phenotype of lymphedema, the accumulation of fluid (lymph) in the interstitial spaces due to a malfunction in the lymphatic system, and the molecular basis for this malfunction.  The goal of studying this inherited condition is to understand the causes of secondary lymphedema, which occurs after treatment of breast  (and other) cancer, and filarial lympedema which are common problems.  I am also interested in the more general function of the lymphatics, and how mutation in genes that code for the structure and/or function of the lymphatics can dispose individuals to problems of public health importance (i.e. infectious diseases).