Mary C. Farach-Carson, Ph.D.Professor
Department of Biological Sciences
University of Delaware
304 Wolf Hall
Newark DE 19716-2590
Phone: (302) 831-2277
FAX: (302) 831-2281
E-Mail: farachca@udel.edu
Web Site: http://www.udel.edu/bio/people/faculty/mcfarach-carson.html
Education
Ph.D., Biochemistry, Medical College of Virginia/Virginia Commonwealth University, 1982
B.S., Biology, University of South Carolina, 1978
Research Interests:
Research in Dr. Farach-Carson's laboratory centers on the biology and biochemistry of bone cells and bone matrix, emphasizing the regulation of bone and mineral homeostatis by calcitropic hormones. One specific focus is on the regulation of osteoblast differentiation and function by Vitamin D metabolites and analogs. Dr. Farach-Carson is interested in the cellular and endocrine factors that provide information necessary for bone formation, remodeling and maintenance. Imbalances in these areas lead to the development of disease states, including osteoporosis and increased fracture risk.
Another area of emphasis relates to the role of bone matrix in the progression of cancer following metastasis from primary sites, such as the breast or prostate, to bone. In many cases, primary tumors are fairly slow growing and do not become life threatening until they form tumors in bone. The growth factors sequestered in bone matrix provide a very rich environment to promote the growth of cancer cells that invade there. Dr. Farach-Carson is trying to identify and isolate the growth factors responsible for cancer growth and progression, with the long-term goal of developing "molecular drugs" to combat cancer metastasis.
A third area of interest relates to the development of novel strategies for growing tissues in vitro for cell and tissue replacement, especially of skeletal tissues. An ongoing collaborative project with researchers in the engineering department seeks to develop implantable materials for bone and cartilage replacement.
Dr. Farach-Carson served as a post-doctoral student at the University of Texas, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center from 1983 through 1986. She was an Assistant then Associate Professor of Biochemistry at the University of Texas-Houston prior to coming to the University of Delaware in 1998.
