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John Mata
Assistant Professor, College of Veterinary Medicine
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RESEARCH:
Pharmacological properties of plants and plant constituents. Plant materials have demonstrated activity in cancer chemoprevention, cancer treatment paradigms, modulation of signal transduction pathways and drug transport processes. We study the effects of plant extracts, plant polyphenols and their derivatives on the transport of drugs and carcinogens across intestinal and lung epithelial cell monolayers. The focus of our research is to understand the mechanisms through which natural compounds change drug bioavailability, prevent carcinogen exposure, and modulate gene expression. Our goal is a better understanding of the potential effects of plant materials found in our diet, their possible health benefits and potential role in the treatment of disease.
Cancer and antiviral drug discovery. DNA and peptide synthesis have provided novel tools to study and treat cancer and viral infections. We are currently investigating the use of nanoprobe technology for the diagnosis and treatment of cancers. Other research includes using polymers of antimetabolite drugs for the treatment of viral infections and equine sarcoid tumors in horses.