The objectives of our research program are: 1) identifying distinctive immunologic and molecular genetic characteristics of the hematologic neoplasms that are useful in their diagnosis, classification, and prognosis; and 2) elucidating the mechanisms that are involved in their pathogenesis. On-going projects in the laboratory include:

1. Investigation of the proto-oncogene and tumor suppressor gene alterations that are preferentially associated with each distinct clinicopathologic category of hematologic neoplasia and the subsequent evaluation of these genetic alterations as useful diagnostic and prognostic indicators in patient care.
   
2. Investigation of the molecular genetic events that underlie and are responsible for the clinical progression and morphologic transformation of clinically indolent, low grade malignant lymphoma to clinically aggressive high grade malignant lymphoma.
   
3. Identification of the molecular genetic events responsible for the development of lymphoproliferative disorders in organ transplant recipients and their progression from oligoclonal proliferations responsive to diminished immunosuppression to autonomous monoclonal proliferations unresponsive to therapy.