Kevin P. Claffey, PhD

The projects in Dr. Claffey's laboratory are focused on pre-clinical models of breast cancer, particularly targeting angiogenesis and VEGF-dependent mechanisms is a key area of interest for my laboratory. Key areas of expertise include both real-time animal imaging and post-analysis using quantitative histological and biochemical methods. Dynamic vascular events such as induced permeability, local endothelial cell apoptosis and analysis of vascular flow are all important aspects of tumor angiogenesis and multiple cardiovascular diseases. Identification of a potential therapeutic target for pathological excess vascular permeability is a most recent breakthrough. Translational research in breast cancer includes local lymph node immune responses to cancer antigens and recovery of patient-specific anti-cancer antibodies.

[2026] Transcriptomic profiles from normal and tumor tissue samples reveal distinct venule populations and novel tumor endothelial cell markers in breast cancer. [2024] Development and utilization of Treponema pallidum expressing green fluorescent protein to study spirochete-host interactions and antibody-mediated clearance: expanding the toolbox for syphilis research. [2024] Selective inhibition of tumor microvascular permeability by cavtratin blocks tumor progression in mice.