MU-ICTS
Leadership
Research Office
Compliance & Quality
Grants & Contracts
Biostatistics
Clinical Trials
Centers/Facilities
Seminars
Resources
RFA Notices
Training
Leadership
Gary F. Clark, PhD
Chair, Research Council
Associate Professor
Ob, Gyn & Women's Health Dr. Clark, PhD. is an associate professor in the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women’s Health. Dr. Clark graduated from Wake Forest University in 1982 with his doctoral degree in biochemistry. He subsequently received training in cancer biology and glycobiology at the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center and Virginia Tech. Dr. Clark joined MU in 2005. Dr. Clark’s research suggests that many different crucial processes in the human body rely upon signaling mediated by the interactions between carbohydrate binding proteins (lectins) and carbohydrate sequences linked to proteins and lipids (glycoconjugates). In 1997, Dr. Clark hypothesized that immune cells often employ such interactions to mediate recognition of other cell types, thus preventing autoimmune reactions. Perhaps the most important function of this recognition system is the protection of sperm, eggs and the developing fetus in the womb from many types of immune response. Dr. Clark’s studies now confirm that aggressive tumor cells, bacteria that cause stomach ulcers (Helicobacter pylori), worm parasites such as schistosomes, and HIV-1 can integrate themselves into this vital protective system by simply duplicating or acquiring the specific carbohydrate sequences employed during such recognition events. Because reproduction is absolutely essential for the continuation of any sexually reproducing species, this strategy enables aggressive tumor cells and pathogens to resist and in some cases completely overcome the human immune response. The net effect of such subterfuge is the development of persistent disease states that often result in death. The model that couples these protective effects in the reproductive system to disease causation is known as the eutherian fetoembryonic defense system (eu-FEDS)hypothesis. There are many different ramifications of this paradigm for both normal and pathological states in the human. Dr. Clark’s research is focused on selectively interfering with this system of protection for the treatment and diagnosis of cancer and other persistent pathological states. Dr. Clark’s research has been supported by grants from the National Institutes of Health and private sources including the Breeden-Adams Foundation.
Back to Research Leadership
Chair, Research Council
Associate Professor
Ob, Gyn & Women's Health Dr. Clark, PhD. is an associate professor in the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women’s Health. Dr. Clark graduated from Wake Forest University in 1982 with his doctoral degree in biochemistry. He subsequently received training in cancer biology and glycobiology at the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center and Virginia Tech. Dr. Clark joined MU in 2005. Dr. Clark’s research suggests that many different crucial processes in the human body rely upon signaling mediated by the interactions between carbohydrate binding proteins (lectins) and carbohydrate sequences linked to proteins and lipids (glycoconjugates). In 1997, Dr. Clark hypothesized that immune cells often employ such interactions to mediate recognition of other cell types, thus preventing autoimmune reactions. Perhaps the most important function of this recognition system is the protection of sperm, eggs and the developing fetus in the womb from many types of immune response. Dr. Clark’s studies now confirm that aggressive tumor cells, bacteria that cause stomach ulcers (Helicobacter pylori), worm parasites such as schistosomes, and HIV-1 can integrate themselves into this vital protective system by simply duplicating or acquiring the specific carbohydrate sequences employed during such recognition events. Because reproduction is absolutely essential for the continuation of any sexually reproducing species, this strategy enables aggressive tumor cells and pathogens to resist and in some cases completely overcome the human immune response. The net effect of such subterfuge is the development of persistent disease states that often result in death. The model that couples these protective effects in the reproductive system to disease causation is known as the eutherian fetoembryonic defense system (eu-FEDS)hypothesis. There are many different ramifications of this paradigm for both normal and pathological states in the human. Dr. Clark’s research is focused on selectively interfering with this system of protection for the treatment and diagnosis of cancer and other persistent pathological states. Dr. Clark’s research has been supported by grants from the National Institutes of Health and private sources including the Breeden-Adams Foundation.
Back to Research Leadership
