Contact
233 South 10th Street
406 BLSB
Philadelphia, PA 19107
Dr. South is a molecular biologist studying Squamous cell Carcinoma, particularly those arising in individuals with genetic predisposition to progressive disease. His experimental approach centers on the use of human primary cells and derived early passage cell lines to understand mechanisms driving tumor initiation and progression.
Research Projects
Prevention and Treatment Strategies for Recessive Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa-Associated Squamous Cell Carcinoma
The aims of this project are threefold: 1) to understand and develop inhibitors of APOBEC mutation in normal recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDBE) keratinocytes, 2) determine the role of thrombospondin-1 in pro-tumorigenic TGF-beta activation, and 3) understand the mechanism of action of the multi-kinase allosteric inhibitor rigosertib in RDEB SCC. Funding: Department of Defense Health Agency J9, Research and Development Directorate, Peer Reviewed Medical Research Program Award No. W81XWH-18-1-0382.
“First in EB" Phase II trial of Rigosertib for RDEB SCC”
This project funds a clinical trial at two European sites and the molecular analysis of patient samples before, during and after treatment with the experimental multi-kinase inhibitor rigosertib. Funding: Debra International funded by Debra UK.
Targeting APOBEC for RDEB SCC prevention
This project funds the development of wound-induced APOBEC driven animal models of Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Funding: EB Research Partnership and EB Medical Research Foundation.
Targeting fibrosis for Recessive Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa Therapy
This project screens FDA approved compounds for efficacy in reducing pro-tumorigenic fibrosis using in vitro tissue engineering models of RDEB extracellular matrix. Funding: EB Research Partnership and EB Medical Research Foundation.