Long-term collaborative studies with Dr. Alessandro Fatatis (College of Medicine) have focused on the role of the chemokine receptor CX3CR1 in skeletal metastasis. Work with other collaborators (Dr. Benovic at Thomas Jefferson University and Dr. Rubin at Washington University in St. Louis) has examined alterations of CXCR4 signaling in cancer cells. These efforts have recently led to the generation of patented small molecule compounds (synthesized by Dr. Salvino, College of Medicine) that show promise for the treatment of skeletal metastasis in breast and prostate cancer patients.