Active Research
Faculty members in the Division of Research are actively engaged in a number of basic and translational initiatives that span conditions related to infertility, pregnancy complications, cancer, and inflammatory conditions including endometriosis.
Caleb B. Kallen, MD, PhD, is Assistant Professor of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, and a recipient of the prestigious Reproductive Scientist Development Program (RSDP) award. His research focuses on the cellular and molecular biology of steroid hormone-mediated gene regulation. His work explores the multiple pathways in which estrogens exert their effects on target tissues and the tissue-specific responses to estrogen agonists and antagonists; he investigates how these effects are modulated in health and in human disease. Insights gathered from this work may provide new avenues of treatment for conditions such as breast cancer, endometrial cancer, infertility, and osteoporosis. Dr. Kallen has an active clinical practice as a faculty member in the Emory Reproductive Center at Emory University Hospital Midtown. In addition to the care provided to patients, this service includes the training of medical students, residents, and fellows in all aspects pertaining to the practice of reproductive endocrinology and infertility. Dr. Kallen also is a mentor for the Emory Combined MD/PhD program presentations intended to bridge clinical problems with basic and translational research (2006-present).
Neil Sidell, PhD, Professor of Gynecology and Obstetrics and Acting Division Director, is an expert in the growth regulation of normal and tumor cells by the steroid/retinoid superfamily of nuclear receptors. His funded research aims at elucidating the mechanisms of action and potential use of retinoids, antiestrogens, and other biological response modifiers for reducing the malignant phenotype of breast cancer and other hormone dependent gynecological malignancies. He also directs an NIH funded grant to delineate mechanisms of action of steroids cell growth and immunological factors associated with endometriosis.
Friedrich Wieser, MD, PD, is Assistant Professor of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Division of Research. Dr. Wieser is trained clinically and scientifically in gynecology at the University of Vienna and UCSF. He is an expert in the study of gene polymorphisms that predispose to the development of endometriosis. Presently, he studies complementary and alternative treatments for endometriosis and cancer and investigates the biological actions and mechanistic pathways of traditional herbal therapies. His findings promise to identify novel, nontoxic adjuvants for endometriosis and endometrial and ovarian cancer treatment. In addition, he works with collaborators in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Emory in developing a clinical research proposal related to pain and endometriosis.