PhD
Professor, Microbiology and Immunology
Co-Leader, UNC Lineberger Virology Research Program
Director, UNC Viral Genomics Core
UNC-Chapel Hill
Virology
Area of Interest
Approximately 1/4 of all human cancers are of viral origin or require viral infection as an essential cofactor. The main goal of our research is to understand cancers that are caused by Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV). In the U.S., KS is seen in the context of HIV or transplant patients. In Sub-Saharan Africa, KS is the most common cancer in males and is also seen in children.
(1) We have developed transgenic mice expressing the viral proteins and micro RNAs. These provide an animal model for understanding KS biology and drug testing.
(2) Exosomes are a new and exciting area of research in the lab. Exosomes are on 50-120 nm particles, which like viruses, carry proteins and miRNAs to neighboring cells and are intricately linked to viral pathogenesis.
(3) We established the UNC Vironomics core to apply cutting-edge genomic technologies, such as next-generation sequencing, to viral genomes, viral and human gene expression, and BCR/TCR sequencing. This includes single-cell measurements and utilizes samples from clinical trials in the U.S., South Africa, and Malawi.
The UNC Vironomics core operates several NGS instruments, such as the PacBio Sequel II, Ion Torrent Genexus, and BD Rhapsody.
Awards and Honors
- Hyman L. Battle Distinguished Cancer Research Award, 2021
- Fellow, American Society of Microbiology (ASM), 2016
- Grossberg Lecture, Wisconsin Medical College, Milwaukee, WI, 2016
- Symposium Keynote Lecture, Intl. Herpesvirus Workshop, 2015 Lecture, “Viruses and Cells” Gordon Research Conference, 2015
- W. Harrington Memorial Lecture, U. Miami, 2013
- State of the Art Lecture, American Society for Virology (ASV), 2011
- UNC Lineberger Clinical/Translational Research Award, 2006
- University of Oklahoma Medical Alumni Award, 2000
News and Stories
Kaposi sarcoma discovery could facilitate drug development
Dirk Dittmer, PhD, and colleagues have developed a model of Kaposi sarcoma that will be key to the development of new drugs to treat the disease.
Symposium highlights research advances in viral cancer and AIDS malignancies
The 13th annual UNC-Duke Viral Oncology and AIDS Malignancy Symposium featured talks and poster presentations on the latest research and insights in the field.
