Carlos Molina

Dr. Carlos A. Molina is a Professor of Molecular Biology at the College of Sciences and Mathematics of Montclair State University. Dr. Molina received his B.S. in Biology from the University of Puerto Rico, M.S. and Ph.D. in Biochemistry for Purdue University and postdoctoral training in molecular and cell biology at the University of Louis Pasteur in Strasbourg, France.

Using zebrafish as a model organism, Dr. Molina has focused his research in two areas, cancer and the female reproductive system. In the area of cancer research he seeks to understand the mechanisms involved in eliminating and misplacing a protein with tumor suppression activity in skin cancer cells. This data set the stage to test for pharmacological agents specifically targeted to inhibit the degradation and abnormal localization of this protein.

In the area of reproductive biology he is developing ovarian-specific transgenic zebrafish to dissect the molecular mechanisms of ovulation. These studies may lead to the development of new technologies in the field of agricultural livestock, where higher ovulation rates are desired. Further research in this area could also lead to the development of novel reproductive technologies.

Dr. Molina was the recipient several honors and grants from the American Association of Cancer Research, National Health Institute, National Science Foundation. He has been a member of the National Institutes of Health National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute and Department of Defense Ovarian and Prostate Cancer Study Sections.

Research focus is in two areas, cancer and the female reproductive system. In the area of cancer research Dr. Molina seeks to understand the mechanisms involved in eliminating and misplacing a protein with tumor suppression activity in skin cancer cells. This data set the stage to test for pharmacological agents specifically targeted to inhibit the degradation and abnormal localization of this protein.

In the area of reproductive biology Dr. Molina is developing ovarian-specific transgenic zebrafish to dissect the molecular mechanisms of ovulation. These studies may lead to the development of new technologies in the field of agricultural livestock, where higher ovulation rates are desired. Further research in this area could also lead to the development of novel reproductive technologies.