Jan Spence Email & Phone Number

Department Of Pathology And Laboratory Medicine

Leading an interdisciplinary research team for the laboratory of W. Richard Burack, M.D., Ph.D, Director of Hematopathology, Director of Molecular Genetics, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center. Research goals include the development and validation of massively parallel (next generation) sequencing approaches to the diagnosis of hematopoietic malignancies, with special emphasis on lymphomas. We have developed a novel analytical pipeline for analysis of next generation sequencing data to identify and quantify tumor sub-populations, the key to aggressive transformation and chemo-resistance. This approach allows discernment of sub-populations at <0.5% levels and subsequent construction of tumor dendrograms, allowing a deeper characterization of tumor sub-population dynamics. Our goal is to determine if relative rates of mutation versus growth within sub-populations has prognostic value with regard to patient outcome and therapeutic responsiveness. In 2013 we received a highly competitive CTSI pilot award to expand these studies on Follicular Lymphoma clinical specimens towards data generation for grant applications. Additionally, we have developed a patent-pending assay for determining IGH sequence from CLL tumors for prognostic purposes. This assay is currently being validated for use by the Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory at URMC and has been successfully licensed to an outside molecular diagnostic company for clinical use. Current projects also include the development of a NGS B-cell clonality assay based on IGH sequence.

Spring 2010: Immunology as an upper level biology courseFall 2009: Introductory Biology course for majorsSpring 1992: A laboratory based science survey course for non-science majors.

Laboratory Of Martin Pavelka, Dept Of Microbiology And Immunology

The focus of the Pavelka laboratory is to decipher the functional interactions of the complex structure of the mycobacterial cell envelope, via primarily a genetic approach. My studies investigated the role of porins, water-filled channels that serve as the primary gate-keepers for access of hydrophilic compounds to the bacteria. My research was directed to the development of a genetic screening technique for the identification of M. tuberculosis porins, which are believed to play a limiting role in the effective delivery of therapeutics into this pathogen. The various biochemical approaches used to identify other mycobacterial porins have not succeeded with M. tuberculosis and may reflect either a significant difference in the lipid components of the outer envelope that prevents extraction of the porins in a functional condition or a low density of porins in the M. tuberculosis cell envelope. Thus a genetic approach may be the only feasible method to identify this critical player in a highly significant pathogen.

Laboratory Of Virginia Clark, Dept Of Microbiology And Immunology

Characterization of the contact-inducible enhanced invasion phenotype of Neisseria gonorrhoeae. My studies led to the discovery of a novel mechanism by which the causative agent of gonorrhea uses hormone mimicry to elicit gonococcal uptake by epithelial cells of the fallopian tube, giving rise to invasive gonococcal diseases of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and disseminated gonococcal infection (DGI).Post-doctoral studies focused on the virulence factors involved in invasive gonococcal disease, with emphasis on the role of anaerobically regulated genes. Anaerobic conditions regulate genes in N. gonorrhoeae that both generate and degrade nitric oxide (NO), a known secondary messenger utilized by endometrial cells following hormone activation. We found that deletion of anaerobic genes, singly or in combination, greatly influences gonococcal invasion of endometrial cell lines. Work was focused on measuring NO levels achieved in the various invasion conditions to investigate the potential correlation of NO concentration and gonococcal invasion.

Wegmans School Of Pharmacy

Designed a Microbiology and Immunology course for first year Doctorate of Pharmacy students. In addition to the traditional topics in microbiology and immunology, this graduate level course has a strong clinical focus on autoimmunity and transplantation issues.

Developed Microbial Pathogenesis, an upper level biotechnology course, from a cellular microbiology perspective

Five semesters from Summer 1992 through Fall 1993: Complete responsibility for the teaching of a junior level Introductory Microbiology course, including lecture and laboratory.

Supervised junior medical technologists Direct one-on-one training of pathology residents, clinical residents, and senior veterinary students. Consulted with investigators on protocols for clinical research.Evaluated new diagnostic test methods for use with various animals. Designed and implemented quality control and instrument preventive maintenance programs for the laboratory

Contagious equine metritis (CEM) was identified in the UK as a highly contagious venereal disease of horses that resulted in temporary infertility of infected mares. The first recorded incidence of CEM in the US occurred in the following year, even with import screening protocols in place. As with any newly discovered pathogen, it was necessary to identify potential reservoir sources to allow for development of appropriate control measures. Towards this goal, I performed an epidemiological study to identify exposure to the agent of CEM, now known as Taylorella equigenitalis, in several animal species as well as 3 human populations. Over 200 samples from each group (7 in all) were tested by 3 self-developed serological assays. The results indicated that sheep, pigs and cattle may have had exposure to CEMO or related organisms, suggesting that the ecological niche of the CEM agent may include farm yards. In addition, the human population being tested or treated for venereal disease had a highly significant increase in antibodies to CEMO, as compared to the pre-nuptial or ante-natal populations.

Ph.D, Microbiology And Immunology

Dissertation: The role of ribosomal protein L7/L12 in the lutropin receptor mediated invasion of endometrial cells by Neisseria gonorrhoeae

M.S, Clinical Laboratory Science

Thesis: A sero-epidemiological study of the causative agent of contagious equine metritis

Mt (Ascp)

Clinical internship leading to registry eligibility with the American Society of Clinical Pathology

B.S, Medical Technology