Howard
Ceri, PhD
PhD
(Microbiology),
1978 University of Manitoba
Chairman, Biofilm Research Group
Professor, Biological Sciences
Department of Biological Sciences
2500 University Drive NW
Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2N 1N4
Tel: (403) 220-6960
Fax: (403) 289-9311
E-mail: ceri@ucalgary.ca
Web Site:
http://homepages.ucalgary.ca/~ceri/
Research Synopsis:
One focus of my research program has been the role of carbohydrate binding
proteins (lectins) in maintaining integrity of mucosal surfaces. We have
demonstrated a regulatory role for lectins in mucin secretion. We have also
shown a loss of mucin and lectin in benign prostatic hyperplasia and have
developed a rat model of abacterial and bacterial prostatitis based on
compromise of mucosal integrity. In this model we have demonstrated differences
in the inflammatory response between abacterial and bacterial prostatitis and
shown that inflammation alters with the expression of different bacterial
virulence factors. We have also demonstrated the presence of PAR-1 and -2 in rat
prostate tissue and continue to study their role in prostatitis. A second area of
study is the development of bacterial biofilms at mucosal and inert surfaces. We
have developed and patented a technology for the high through put screening of
antibiotics and biocides active against biofilms.
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Post Doctoral Fellows
Fabrizio Rivardo
PhD students
Lisa Nelson
Matt Workentine
MSc Students
Kim Sproule-Willoughby
Michelle Stan
Susanne Golby