Mitchell C. Benson, M.D., mcb2@columbia.edu
Research interests revolve around clinical trials in patients with urologic malignancies. The department maintains a comprehensive IRB approved database and students have the opportunity to conceive of a research idea and mine the database for outcomes. Ideas are synthesized with the help of the entire Urologic Oncology team inclusive of Drs. Eric Goluboff, Aaron Katz, Jiame Landman, Kames McKiernan, Carl Olsson, David Samadi, and Benjamin Spencer.

Ralph Buttyan, Ph.D., rb46@columbia.edu
Androgenic steroids regulate the development of the male prostate gland by controlling the proliferative rate, the differentiation state and the lifespan of prostatic epithelial cells. This laboratory has been instrumental in dissecting the molecular mechanism by which androgenic steroids exert this control. Studies focused on the regulation of oncogenes, tumor suppressor genes and apoptosis-control genes in prostate cells have enabled us to identify gene products that are important for the development and progression of prostate cancers in humans. These genes are a target for the development of novel gene therapeutic agents to be used to treat prostate cancer patients. In particular, the role of vascular growth factors in the bladder and prostate are being studied.

Terry W. Hensle, M.D., twh2@columbia.edu
The Division of Pediatric Urology at Babies Hospital has always been in the forefront of improving children’s health through both basic science and clinical research. Our basic science research efforts are directed at understanding the molecular genetic basis of urologic diseases. Current projects include the role of apoptosis in partial ureteral obstruction and the role of cell adhesion molecules in cryptorchidisim. Clinical research efforts are focused on the physiological response of prepubertal testis to varicocelectomy and the effect of external genital abnormalities on normal psychodevelopment.

Aaron E. Katz, M.D., aek4@columbia.edu
Investigative work focuses on cancer angiogenesis factors and the ability of cancer cells to invade the circulation. We have recently developed a PCR assay that can detect small quantities of prostate cancer cells in the peripheral circulation of prostate cancer patients. Several studies are presently ongoing in this area. Students can learn basic molecular biological techniques and apply these techniques in a clinical setting to the patients with prostate cancer.

Cathy L Mendelsohn, Ph.D., clm20@columbia.edu
Our work is focused on understanding how the urogenital system forms, and on identifying the cause of urogenital malformations first in rodent, then in human models. We are currently pursuing two types of projects:

1 Investigating the molecular and cellular events important for formation of the nephric duct, for its insertion into the primitive bladder and for formation of connections between the ureter and the bladder. Our experiments utilize mouse models with defects in these processes, as well as cell biological studies, aimed at understanding the various types of epithelial cell remodeling that occur during urinary tract formation.

2 Studying the mechanism by which vitamin A controls renal development. We have previously shown that vitamin A controls branching morphogenesis of the collecting duct system, in large part by regulating transcription of the proto-oncogene Ret. We are using a combination of approaches to identify which cell types are normally important for mediating vitamin A-Ret signaling in the kidney, and what molecular pathways are participate in this process.

Ridwan Shabsigh, M.D., DAP 11-1119, Ext. 5-0123, rs66@columbia.edu
Primary research interests include the diagnosis and treatment of male and female sexual dysfunctions such as erectile dysfunction (commonly known as male impotence), premature ejaculation, libido disorders, orgasmic disorders, Peyronie’s disease, genital deformities and female sexual disorders. These research activities are pursued at the clinical level in the form of clinical trials of new medications and treatment modalities. At the laboratory level molecular biology techniques are applied to investigate causes and cures for sexual dysfunction.