The main focus of the Burk laboratory is to utilize population-based longitudinal studies from large epidemiological cohorts including those with and without HIV to study the dynamics of host-microbe interactions. These include HPV and development of cancer, and the human microbiome and disease outcomes (cancer, infectious diseases, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, aging).
To understand complex ecological community of bacteria, fungi, viruses and other organisms and how that might interact for disease outcomes. These studies are built on understanding the application of laboratory tests to population-based studies. They employ NGS and state of the art bioinformatics.
Other interests of the lab include the genetics of complex human disease (prostate cancer, excessive sweating) using large case-control clinical collections of genomic DNAs with candidate gene sequencing; and, the cell biology of VHL and its role in primary cilia formation and activity and its disruption in renal cancer.
The lab is dedicated to creating a warm environment based on collaborative science and teamwork. Our mission is to facilitate each individual reaching his or her potential through learning, experimentation and sharing in the pursuit of knowledge to promote human health and development.