Patients with metastatic breast and ovarian cancer continue to have a very poor prognosis. The magnitude of this problem provides a strong impetus for studies that may lead to new chemopreventative strategies and/or lifestyle changes that reduce morbidity from these cancers. Therefore, the goal of our research is to elucidate the effects of the endocrine system and metabolism on breast and ovarian cancer initiation and progression. We integrate our expertise in physiology, endocrinology, immunology and in vivo models to pursue translational breast and ovarian cancer research. We have found that cholesterol metabolism plays critical roles in tumors, including in the immune cells that infiltrate tumors. We hope to leverage this knowledge to develop novel therapeutic approaches to treat breast and ovarian cancers. The major focuses of the lab are: Using cholesterol biology to reprogram tumor associated immune cells. Defining the mechanisms by which cholesterol metabolites impact tumor progression and metastasis. Delineating the role of nuclear receptor signaling within the tumor microenvironment and its impact on tumor progression. Determining what regulates extracellular vesicles.