Research

Pathology Research

The pathology research team at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC has a wide range of interests derived from all areas of pediatric diagnostic pathology.

A core focus of Children’s pathology research is on disorders of the histocytes, cells involved in the human immune system. Current research focuses on the characterization of histocytic conditions and understanding their biology. Part of this endeavor includes characterizing histiocytes, macrophages and dendritic cells in various pediatric tissues and pathological processes, including their role in the development and control of pediatric tumors.

Some studies are directed toward different areas of pediatric cancer, particularly bone and soft-tissue tumors, with funding support from the Children’s Oncology Group. Other pathology research, including several clinical studies, concerns developmental abnormalities of the respiratory tract, neonatal and pediatric lung diseases. Investigations are underway regarding stem cell biology in developmental neurologic disorders and the molecular biology of brain tumors.

There is active work on the development of molecular tests for pediatric infectious disease. Children’s Division of Pediatric Pathology researchers collaborate with many other Children’s divisions, including Pediatric Cardiology, Oncology, Infectious Diseases, Hepatology, Gastroenterology and Transplant.