We are now investigating the mechanisms controlling the cell cycle in polarized epithelial cells and how epithelial cell polarity influences epithelial resistance to bacterial infections. We have shown that hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) dedifferentiates previously well polarized renal epithelial cells and abrogates contact inhibition of mitosis. Our lab is examining the mechanisms by which cyclin D1, which is important for entry into the cycle, is increased during loss of contact inhibition of mitosis in epithelial cells. Our lab is also studying interactions of bacterial pathogens with epithelium and epithelial factors which influence the susceptibility of the epithelium to these pathogens. Recently, we have focused our attention on uropathogenic Escherichia coli and the oral pathogen Porphyromonas gingivalis.
