Publication list via PubMed

MY MAIN RESEARCH INTEREST centers around the lysyl oxidase protein family of amine oxidases. Lysyl oxidase (LOX) was first discovered in 1968, and since then, most studies have focused on its role as the extracellular matrix enzyme responsible for catalyzing cross-link formation in collagen and elastin. Just in the last decade, four other members of the LOX family have been identified, and each of the five LOX family members have been found to have a unique expression profile in various tissues. In addition, some members of this family, including LOX, are not limited to the extracellular matrix, and have been found intracellularly and within the nucleus. Thus, it is not surprising that several novel functions have been attributed to this family, including developmental regulation, chemotaxis, cell growth control, and tumor development and progression. I am currently studying two members of this family, LOX and lysyl oxidase-like 2 (LOXL2), and their role in tumor progression, particularly migration and invasion of tumor cells through the extracellular matrix, two critical steps in cancer metastasis.

We are also currently building a collection of Hawaiian and Polynesian plants, fruits and seaweeds, as well as their indications for use, such as infection, inflammation and cancer. Extracts are evaluated for active compounds that have specific biological effects, particularly an inhibitory effect in cancer cell growth, migration and invasion. Once an active compound is isolated, DNA chip analysis allows for identification of the molecular pathways targeted by these natural products.