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.

Post Doctoral Fellows
Fabrizio Rivardo

PhD students
Lisa Nelson
Matt Workentine

MSc Students
Kim Sproule-Willoughby
Michelle Stan
Susanne Golby

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