I am a cell biologist and biochemist, with over 20 years’ experience in studies related to fundamental mechanisms of urologic disease. The major focus of research in my group is to decipher the molecular mechanisms that underlie pathologic tissue remodeling and their functional consequences in the urinary tract and other smooth muscle-rich hollow organs. In research terms, the urinary tract is woefully understudied by comparison with other organ systems, particularly in the context of benign (i.e. non-malignant) conditions. This is in spite of prevalent, debilitating urinary tract conditions that are exceptionally costly to society. Current pharmacotherapy for the most common benign urologic conditions, such as overactive bladder, treats symptoms not underlying causes.
Thus, a major focus of my group is to map the signaling networks that are perturbed in conditions leading to urinary tract dysfunction, with the long-term goal of identifying novel therapeutic targets. We use physiologically relevant models to recapitulate salient events that arise in functional or anatomic obstruction of the urinary tract in vivo, together with transcriptomics and proteomics analysis to identify key regulators of response. In addition, we are developing novel in vitro approaches to measure functional endpoints in the bladder and other hollow organs, including a precision-cut bladder slice technology that allows for concurrent assessment of contraction, stiffness and molecular correlates in intact tissues.
Research Background
Rosalyn Adam received her PhD from the University of Southampton in the UK. She completed a postdoctoral fellowship at Boston Children's Hospital.
Publications
Pediatric bladder tissue engineering: Where have we been and where do we go next? J Pediatr Urol. 2025 Jan 03. View Abstract
Investigation of the impact of bromodomain inhibition on cytoskeleton stability and contraction. Cell Commun Signal. 2024 03 16; 22(1):184. View Abstract
Machine Learning-Based Classification of Transcriptome Signatures of Non-Ulcerative Bladder Pain Syndrome. Int J Mol Sci. 2024 Jan 26; 25(3). View Abstract
Machine Learning-based Classification of transcriptome Signatures of non-ulcerative Bladder Pain Syndrome. bioRxiv. 2024 Jan 08. View Abstract
Machine Learning Made Easy (MLme): a comprehensive toolkit for machine learning-driven data analysis. Gigascience. 2024 01 02; 13. View Abstract
Integrated omics analysis unveils a DNA damage response to neurogenic injury. bioRxiv. 2023 Dec 10. View Abstract
Investigation of the impact of bromodomain inhibition on cytoskeleton stability and contraction. bioRxiv. 2023 Nov 14. View Abstract
Bioinformatics in urology - molecular characterization of pathophysiology and response to treatment. Nat Rev Urol. 2024 04; 21(4):214-242. View Abstract
Machine Learning Made Easy (MLme): A Comprehensive Toolkit for Machine Learning-Driven Data Analysis. bioRxiv. 2023 Jul 04. View Abstract
SpheroScan: A User-Friendly Deep Learning Tool for Spheroid Image Analysis. bioRxiv. 2023 Jun 28. View Abstract
SpheroScan: a user-friendly deep learning tool for spheroid image analysis. Gigascience. 2022 12 28; 12. View Abstract
Author Correction: FOXA1 repression drives lineage plasticity and immune heterogeneity in bladder cancers with squamous differentiation. Nat Commun. 2022 Dec 23; 13(1):7920. View Abstract
FOXA1 repression drives lineage plasticity and immune heterogeneity in bladder cancers with squamous differentiation. Nat Commun. 2022 11 02; 13(1):6575. View Abstract
Neuropilin 2 Is a Novel Regulator of Distal Colon Contractility. Am J Pathol. 2022 11; 192(11):1592-1603. View Abstract
A Comprehensive Transcriptomic Analysis of Arsenic-Induced Bladder Carcinogenesis. Cells. 2022 08 05; 11(15). View Abstract
Wnt Site Signaling Inhibitor Secreted Frizzled-Related Protein 3 Protects Mitral Valve Endothelium From Myocardial Infarction-Induced Endothelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition. J Am Heart Assoc. 2022 04 05; 11(7):e023695. View Abstract
Integrated mRNA-miRNA transcriptome analysis of bladder biopsies from patients with bladder pain syndrome identifies signaling alterations contributing to the disease pathogenesis. BMC Urol. 2021 Dec 07; 21(1):172. View Abstract
Knockin mouse models demonstrate differential contributions of synaptotagmin-1 and -2 as receptors for botulinum neurotoxins. PLoS Pathog. 2021 10; 17(10):e1009994. View Abstract
Urinary Tract Infections in Children with Vesicoureteral Reflux Are Accompanied by Alterations in Urinary Microbiota and Metabolome Profiles. Eur Urol. 2022 02; 81(2):151-154. View Abstract
Interaction of TLK1 and AKTIP as a Potential Regulator of AKT Activation in Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer Progression. Pathophysiology. 2021 Jul 20; 28(3):339-354. View Abstract
Erratum. Inhibition of TNF-a Improves the Bladder Dysfunction That Is Associated With Type 2 Diabetes. Diabetes 2012;61:2134-2145. Diabetes. 2021 Jun; 70(6):1416. View Abstract
Molecular mechanisms of esophageal epithelial regeneration following repair of surgical defects with acellular silk fibroin grafts. Sci Rep. 2021 03 29; 11(1):7086. View Abstract
A Single Cell Dissociation Approach for Molecular Analysis of Urinary Bladder in the Mouse Following Spinal Cord Injury. J Vis Exp. 2020 06 17; (160). View Abstract
Novel discoveries in urology: big data to microbiome - highlights of the society for basic urologic research 2019 annual meeting. Am J Clin Exp Urol. 2020; 8(2):73-75. View Abstract
Systems analysis of benign bladder disorders: insights from omics analysis. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol. 2020 04 01; 318(4):F901-F910. View Abstract
A multi-omics approach to understanding the field effect in bladder cancer. Transl Androl Urol. 2019 Dec; 8(6):775-778. View Abstract
Multicentre study of perioperative versus adjuvant chemotherapy for resectable colorectal liver metastases. BJS Open. 2019 10; 3(5):678-686. View Abstract
MCL1 and DEDD Promote Urothelial Carcinoma Progression. Mol Cancer Res. 2019 06; 17(6):1294-1304. View Abstract
Concordant miRNA and mRNA expression profiles in humans and mice with bladder outlet obstruction. Am J Clin Exp Urol. 2018; 6(6):219-233. View Abstract
Genome-wide CRISPR screens for Shiga toxins and ricin reveal Golgi proteins critical for glycosylation. PLoS Biol. 2018 11; 16(11):e2006951. View Abstract
Immunology, Immunotherapy, and Translating Basic Science into the Clinic for Bladder Cancer. Bladder Cancer. 2018 Oct 29; 4(4):429-440. View Abstract
Inosine - a Multifunctional Treatment for Complications of Neurologic Injury. Cell Physiol Biochem. 2018; 49(6):2293-2303. View Abstract
Heparin-Binding Epidermal Growth Factor-Like Growth Factor as a Critical Mediator of Tissue Repair and Regeneration. Am J Pathol. 2018 11; 188(11):2446-2456. View Abstract
Canadian Surgery Forum 2018: St. John's, NL Sept. 13-15, 2018. Can J Surg. 2018 Aug; 61(4 Suppl 1):S94-S174. View Abstract
The role of the mucosa in modulation of evoked responses in the spinal cord injured rat bladder. Neurourol Urodyn. 2018 06; 37(5):1583-1593. View Abstract
Mode of Surgical Injury Influences the Source of Urothelial Progenitors during Bladder Defect Repair. Stem Cell Reports. 2017 12 12; 9(6):2005-2017. View Abstract
The Cytotoxicity and Genotoxicity of Particulate and Soluble Cobalt in Human Urothelial Cells. Biol Trace Elem Res. 2017 Nov; 180(1):48-55. View Abstract
Inosine attenuates spontaneous activity in the rat neurogenic bladder through an A2B pathway. Sci Rep. 2017 03 15; 7:44416. View Abstract
MYC Mediates Large Oncosome-Induced Fibroblast Reprogramming in Prostate Cancer. Cancer Res. 2017 05 01; 77(9):2306-2317. View Abstract
Deletion of neuropilin 2 enhances detrusor contractility following bladder outlet obstruction. JCI Insight. 2017 02 09; 2(3):e90617. View Abstract
Inflammation and Lymphedema Are Exacerbated and Prolonged by Neuropilin 2 Deficiency. Am J Pathol. 2016 11; 186(11):2803-2812. View Abstract
Hexavalent chromium induces chromosome instability in human urothelial cells. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol. 2016 Apr 01; 296:54-60. View Abstract
Molecular mechanisms of squamous differentiation in urothelial cell carcinoma: a paradigm for molecular subtyping of urothelial cell carcinoma of the bladder. Urol Oncol. 2015 Oct; 33(10):444-50. View Abstract
Mutations in TBX18 Cause Dominant Urinary Tract Malformations via Transcriptional Dysregulation of Ureter Development. Am J Hum Genet. 2015 Aug 06; 97(2):291-301. View Abstract
Regulation of microtubule dynamics by DIAPH3 influences amoeboid tumor cell mechanics and sensitivity to taxanes. Sci Rep. 2015 Jul 16; 5:12136. View Abstract
Platelet Derived Growth Factor Has a Role in Pressure Induced Bladder Smooth Muscle Cell Hyperplasia and Acts in a Paracrine Way. J Urol. 2015 Dec; 194(6):1797-805. View Abstract
Dynamic reciprocity in cell-scaffold interactions. Adv Drug Deliv Rev. 2015 Mar; 82-83:77-85. View Abstract
Pathophysiology and animal modeling of underactive bladder. Int Urol Nephrol. 2014 Sep; 46 Suppl 1:S11-21. View Abstract
Progress made in the use of animal models for the study of high-risk, nonmuscle invasive bladder cancer. Curr Opin Urol. 2014 Sep; 24(5):512-6. View Abstract
Integration of proteomic and transcriptomic profiles identifies a novel PDGF-MYC network in human smooth muscle cells. Cell Commun Signal. 2014 Aug 01; 12:44. View Abstract
The use of bi-layer silk fibroin scaffolds and small intestinal submucosa matrices to support bladder tissue regeneration in a rat model of spinal cord injury. Biomaterials. 2014 Aug; 35(26):7452-9. View Abstract
Acellular bi-layer silk fibroin scaffolds support tissue regeneration in a rabbit model of onlay urethroplasty. PLoS One. 2014; 9(3):e91592. View Abstract
Retinoid signaling in progenitors controls specification and regeneration of the urothelium. Dev Cell. 2013 Sep 16; 26(5):469-482. View Abstract
Bladder tissue regeneration using acellular bi-layer silk scaffolds in a large animal model of augmentation cystoplasty. Biomaterials. 2013 Nov; 34(34):8681-9. View Abstract
Scaffold attachment factor B1 regulates the androgen receptor in concert with the growth inhibitory kinase MST1 and the methyltransferase EZH2. Oncogene. 2014 Jun 19; 33(25):3235-45. View Abstract
Is unexpected peritoneal carcinomatosis still a contraindication for resection of colorectal liver metastases? Combined resection of colorectal liver metastases with peritoneal deposits discovered intra-operatively. Eur J Surg Oncol. 2013 Sep; 39(9):981-7. View Abstract
Loss of caveolin-1 in prostate cancer stroma correlates with reduced relapse-free survival and is functionally relevant to tumour progression. J Pathol. 2013 Sep; 231(1):77-87. View Abstract
Loss of Sh3gl2/endophilin A1 is a common event in urothelial carcinoma that promotes malignant behavior. Neoplasia. 2013 Jul; 15(7):749-60. View Abstract
The impact of discrete modes of spinal cord injury on bladder muscle contractility. BMC Urol. 2013 May 13; 13:24. View Abstract
The performance of silk scaffolds in a rat model of augmentation cystoplasty. Biomaterials. 2013 Jul; 34(20):4758-65. View Abstract
Evaluation of silk biomaterials in combination with extracellular matrix coatings for bladder tissue engineering with primary and pluripotent cells. PLoS One. 2013; 8(2):e56237. View Abstract
Large oncosomes in human prostate cancer tissues and in the circulation of mice with metastatic disease. Am J Pathol. 2012 Nov; 181(5):1573-84. View Abstract
Inhibition of TNF-a improves the bladder dysfunction that is associated with type 2 diabetes. Diabetes. 2012 Aug; 61(8):2134-45. View Abstract
Increased smooth muscle contractility in mice deficient for neuropilin 2. Am J Pathol. 2012 Aug; 181(2):548-59. View Abstract
DIAPH3 governs the cellular transition to the amoeboid tumour phenotype. EMBO Mol Med. 2012 Aug; 4(8):743-60. View Abstract
On the (C)USP(2a) of new targets for bladder cancer therapy? Cell Cycle. 2012 Apr 01; 11(7):1270-1. View Abstract
FosB regulates stretch-induced expression of extracellular matrix proteins in smooth muscle. Am J Pathol. 2011 Dec; 179(6):2977-89. View Abstract
When urothelial differentiation pathways go wrong: implications for bladder cancer development and progression. Urol Oncol. 2013 Aug; 31(6):802-11. View Abstract
The effect of manipulation of silk scaffold fabrication parameters on matrix performance in a murine model of bladder augmentation. Biomaterials. 2011 Oct; 32(30):7562-70. View Abstract
A Tbx1-Six1/Eya1-Fgf8 genetic pathway controls mammalian cardiovascular and craniofacial morphogenesis. J Clin Invest. 2011 Apr; 121(4):1585-95. View Abstract
An hTERT-immortalized human urothelial cell line that responds to anti-proliferative factor. In Vitro Cell Dev Biol Anim. 2011 Jan; 47(1):2-9. View Abstract
Evaluation of gel spun silk-based biomaterials in a murine model of bladder augmentation. Biomaterials. 2011 Jan; 32(3):808-18. View Abstract
Fluidization and resolidification of the human bladder smooth muscle cell in response to transient stretch. PLoS One. 2010 Aug 06; 5(8):e12035. View Abstract
An Akt- and Fra-1-dependent pathway mediates platelet-derived growth factor-induced expression of thrombomodulin, a novel regulator of smooth muscle cell migration. Am J Pathol. 2010 Jul; 177(1):119-31. View Abstract
Oncosome formation in prostate cancer: association with a region of frequent chromosomal deletion in metastatic disease. Cancer Res. 2009 Jul 01; 69(13):5601-9. View Abstract
Heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein K is a novel regulator of androgen receptor translation. Cancer Res. 2009 Mar 15; 69(6):2210-8. View Abstract
Rapid preparation of nuclei-depleted detergent-resistant membrane fractions suitable for proteomics analysis. BMC Cell Biol. 2008 Jun 05; 9:30. View Abstract
Caveolin-1 interacts with a lipid raft-associated population of fatty acid synthase. Cell Cycle. 2008 Jul 15; 7(14):2257-67. View Abstract
The pro-apoptotic kinase Mst1 and its caspase cleavage products are direct inhibitors of Akt1. EMBO J. 2007 Oct 31; 26(21):4523-34. View Abstract
GATA-6 mediates human bladder smooth muscle differentiation: involvement of a novel enhancer element in regulating alpha-smooth muscle actin gene expression. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol. 2007 Sep; 293(3):C1093-102. View Abstract
Cholesterol sensitivity of endogenous and myristoylated Akt. Cancer Res. 2007 Jul 01; 67(13):6238-46. View Abstract
The zinc finger protein ras-responsive element binding protein-1 is a coregulator of the androgen receptor: implications for the role of the Ras pathway in enhancing androgenic signaling in prostate cancer. Mol Endocrinol. 2007 Sep; 21(9):2056-70. View Abstract
Transit of hormonal and EGF receptor-dependent signals through cholesterol-rich membranes. Steroids. 2007 Feb; 72(2):210-7. View Abstract
Inhibition of EGFR signaling abrogates smooth muscle proliferation resulting from sustained distension of the urinary bladder. Lab Invest. 2006 Dec; 86(12):1293-302. View Abstract
Measurement of plasma levels of vascular endothelial growth factor in prostate cancer patients: relationship with clinical stage, Gleason score, prostate volume, and serum prostate-specific antigen. Clinics (Sao Paulo). 2006 Oct; 61(5):401-8. View Abstract
Effective salvage therapy of liver-only colorectal cancer metastases with chronomodulated irinotecan-fluorouracil-oxaliplatin via hepatic artery infusion. J Clin Oncol. 2006 Jun 20; 24(18_suppl):3585. View Abstract
Behavioral profiling of human transitional cell carcinoma ex vivo. Cancer Res. 2006 Mar 15; 66(6):3078-86. View Abstract
A quantitative proteomic analysis of growth factor-induced compositional changes in lipid rafts of human smooth muscle cells. Proteomics. 2005 Dec; 5(18):4733-42. View Abstract
JNK/SAPK and p38 SAPK-2 mediate mechanical stretch-induced apoptosis via caspase-3 and -9 in NRK-52E renal epithelial cells. Nephron Exp Nephrol. 2006; 102(2):e49-61. View Abstract
Recent insights into the cell biology of bladder smooth muscle. Nephron Exp Nephrol. 2006; 102(1):e1-7. View Abstract
Trafficking of nuclear heparin-binding epidermal growth factor-like growth factor into an epidermal growth factor receptor-dependent autocrine loop in response to oxidative stress. Cancer Res. 2005 Sep 15; 65(18):8242-9. View Abstract
Tumor cell-associated neuropilin-1 and vascular endothelial growth factor expression as determinants of tumor growth in neuroblastoma. Neuropathology. 2005 Sep; 25(3):178-87. View Abstract
Three-drug chronotherapy via hepatic artery as salvage treatment for patients with liver-only metastases from colorectal cancer. J Clin Oncol. 2005 Jun; 23(16_suppl):3616. View Abstract
Cholesterol targeting alters lipid raft composition and cell survival in prostate cancer cells and xenografts. J Clin Invest. 2005 Apr; 115(4):959-68. View Abstract
Induction of smooth muscle cell-like phenotype in marrow-derived cells among regenerating urinary bladder smooth muscle cells. Am J Pathol. 2005 Feb; 166(2):565-73. View Abstract
Growth and stretch response of human exstrophy bladder smooth muscle cells: molecular evidence of normal intrinsic function. BJU Int. 2005 Jan; 95(1):144-8. View Abstract
Caveolae are negative regulators of transforming growth factor-beta1 signaling in ureteral smooth muscle cells. J Urol. 2004 Dec; 172(6 Pt 1):2451-5. View Abstract
Mechanical stretch is a highly selective regulator of gene expression in human bladder smooth muscle cells. Physiol Genomics. 2004 Dec 15; 20(1):36-44. View Abstract
Mechanical strain delivers anti-apoptotic and proliferative signals to gingival fibroblasts. J Dent Res. 2004 Aug; 83(8):596-601. View Abstract
Involvement of cholesterol-rich lipid rafts in interleukin-6-induced neuroendocrine differentiation of LNCaP prostate cancer cells. Endocrinology. 2004 Feb; 145(2):613-9. View Abstract
Signaling through PI3K/Akt mediates stretch and PDGF-BB-dependent DNA synthesis in bladder smooth muscle cells. J Urol. 2003 Jun; 169(6):2388-93. View Abstract
Platelet derived growth factor-BB is a potent mitogen for rat ureteral and human bladder smooth muscle cells: dependence on lipid rafts for cell signaling. J Urol. 2003 Mar; 169(3):1165-70. View Abstract
Calcium regulates the PI3K-Akt pathway in stretched osteoblasts. FEBS Lett. 2003 Feb 11; 536(1-3):193-7. View Abstract
A nuclear form of the heparin-binding epidermal growth factor-like growth factor precursor is a feature of aggressive transitional cell carcinoma. Cancer Res. 2003 Jan 15; 63(2):484-90. View Abstract
Calcium-selective ion channel, CaT1, is apically localized in gastrointestinal tract epithelia and is aberrantly expressed in human malignancies. Lab Invest. 2002 Dec; 82(12):1755-64. View Abstract
The decision to undergo DNA or protein synthesis is determined by the degree of mechanical deformation in human bladder muscle cells. Urology. 2002 May; 59(5):779-83. View Abstract
Activation of the Erk mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway stimulates neuroendocrine differentiation in LNCaP cells independently of cell cycle withdrawal and STAT3 phosphorylation. Cancer Res. 2002 Mar 01; 62(5):1549-54. View Abstract
A novel method for implantation of LNCaP prostate tumor cells under the renal capsule. In Vitro Cell Dev Biol Anim. 2001 Jun; 37(6):360-2. View Abstract
CaT1 expression correlates with tumor grade in prostate cancer. Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 2001 Apr 06; 282(3):729-34. View Abstract
Heparin-binding epidermal growth factor-like growth factor is an autocrine mediator of human prostate stromal cell growth in vitro. J Urol. 2001 Jan; 165(1):284-8. View Abstract
Cyclic stretch activates p38 SAPK2-, ErbB2-, and AT1-dependent signaling in bladder smooth muscle cells. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol. 2000 Oct; 279(4):C1155-67. View Abstract
Heparin-binding EGF-like growth factor is up-regulated in the obstructed kidney in a cell- and region-specific manner and acts to inhibit apoptosis. Am J Pathol. 2000 Mar; 156(3):889-98. View Abstract
Amphiregulin is coordinately expressed with heparin-binding epidermal growth factor-like growth factor in the interstitial smooth muscle of the human prostate. Endocrinology. 1999 Dec; 140(12):5866-75. View Abstract
Amphiregulin Is Coordinately Expressed with Heparin-Binding Epidermal Growth Factor-Like Growth Factor in the Interstitial Smooth Muscle of the Human Prostate1. Endocrinology. 1999 Dec 01; 140(12):5866-5875. View Abstract
Heparin-binding EGF-like growth factor expression increases selectively in bladder smooth muscle in response to lower urinary tract obstruction. Lab Invest. 1999 Nov; 79(11):1335-45. View Abstract
Plasma levels of vascular endothelial growth factor are increased in patients with metastatic prostate cancer. Urology. 1999 Sep; 54(3):523-7. View Abstract
AP-1 mediates stretch-induced expression of HB-EGF in bladder smooth muscle cells. Am J Physiol. 1999 08; 277(2):C294-301. View Abstract
Cell-specific activation of the HB-EGF and ErbB1 genes by stretch in primary human bladder cells. In Vitro Cell Dev Biol Anim. 1999 Jul-Aug; 35(7):371-5. View Abstract
The phosphatidylinositol 3'-kinase pathway is a dominant growth factor-activated cell survival pathway in LNCaP human prostate carcinoma cells. Cancer Res. 1999 Jun 15; 59(12):2891-7. View Abstract
Extracellular calcium influx stimulates metalloproteinase cleavage and secretion of heparin-binding EGF-like growth factor independently of protein kinase C. J Cell Biochem. 1998 May 01; 69(2):143-53. View Abstract
Heparin-binding EGF-like growth factor in the human prostate: synthesis predominantly by interstitial and vascular smooth muscle cells and action as a carcinoma cell mitogen. J Cell Biochem. 1998 Mar 01; 68(3):328-38. View Abstract
Heparin-binding EGF-like growth factor is an autocrine growth factor for human urothelial cells and is synthesized by epithelial and smooth muscle cells in the human bladder. J Clin Invest. 1997 Mar 01; 99(5):1028-36. View Abstract
Induction of anchorage-independent growth by amphiregulin. Growth Factors. 1996; 13(3-4):193-203. View Abstract
Modulation of the receptor binding affinity of amphiregulin by modification of its carboxyl terminal tail. Biochim Biophys Acta. 1995 Apr 06; 1266(1):83-90. View Abstract
[Long-term follow-up of patients with borderline tumors of the ovaries]. Gynakol Rundsch. 1990; 30 Suppl 1:48-50. View Abstract