معرفی
Dr. Darren D. Browning is a Professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, where he also directs the Biochemistry and Cancer Biology Graduate Program and serves as a Georgia Cancer Center Member. His academic journey began with doctoral training in cellular biology at the University of Toronto, followed by immunology postdoctoral work at The Scripps Research Institute.
His educational credentials include:
- Ph.D. in Cell/Cellular Biology and Histology (University of Toronto, 1995)
- M.S. in Biology/Biological Sciences (University of Toronto, 1990)
- B.S. in Cell/Cellular Biology and Histology (University of Toronto, 1988)
Dr. Browning's research centers on cGMP signaling pathways in gastrointestinal pathologies, with seminal work demonstrating how FDA-approved phosphodiesterase inhibitors (e.g., sildenafil) elevate colonic cGMP to suppress inflammation and carcinogenesis. His laboratory pioneers the therapeutic repurposing of erectile dysfunction drugs for ulcerative colitis and constipation, identifying PKG2 as a critical regulator of oxidative stress resistance and FoxO transcription factor activity in colon epithelium.
Analysis of his recent publications (2019-2023) reveals a strategic focus on translational signaling mechanisms across gastrointestinal diseases and cancer. Key trends include elucidating resistance pathways in breast cancer, defining PKG2's tumor-suppressive roles in colon epithelium, and exploring bacterial cyclic-di-GMP systems—all converging on therapeutic manipulation of nucleotide signaling for mucosal protection.
His scientific recognition includes:
- Best of Cancer Prevention Research (AACR, 2019)
- Distinguished Teacher Award (Graduate School, 2017)
- Outstanding Service Award (Graduate School, 2017)
- Leadership and Collegiality Award (AU Faculty Development, 2014)
- Distinguished Service Award (Graduate School, 2011)
As Graduate Program Director since 2003, he mentors future scientists while securing continuous funding from the National Cancer Institute (NIH), American Cancer Society, and Georgia Cancer Coalition. His collaborative work spans the Digestive Health Center and partnerships with Ironwood/Synergy Pharmaceuticals to advance preclinical findings toward clinical applications.
The Browning Laboratory maintains active research on cGMP-dependent protection mechanisms in colon mucosa, with current projects investigating PKG2-mediated stress responses and novel drug combinations for inflammatory bowel disease and colorectal cancer prevention.
