Kouokam Lab

About 

The Kouokam Laboratory seeks to improve human health in the context of growing environmental pollution, which is directly responsible for multiple diseases, including cancer. Our projects are focused on metal carcinogenesis, specifically studying the interactions of chromosome instability (CIN) and inflammation as both are key cellular events with clear associations with cancer development, and both are poorly understood in metal carcinogenesis. My laboratory focuses on particulate hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)], e.g., zinc chromate.

In addition, we study natural products with anti-inflammatory effects, which could help identify novel mechanisms for Cr(VI) toxicity as it relates to inflammation. This approach can also help develop nature products for the prevention of metal-induced cancer as well as other cancers. 

Another major project is assessing Griffithsin and variants for its use in HIV-infected patients with colorectal pathologies as well as its multipurpose use beyond HIV/AIDS.

Finally, my laboratory is interested in the identification and isolation of compounds with antimicrobial or anticancer activities from selected African plants.