Genes determine your height, hair color and even, in some cases, whether or not you will get certain diseases. Much of what scientists know about human disease today has been learned from the study of genetics, and in the Montgomery lab, we focus on how genes can trigger the onset of disease. In particular, we study the role that genes play in the development of autoimmune disease. We focus our work on several conditions, but we focus on sarcoidosis.
Sarcoidosis occurs when small nodules form in and around organs, leading to arthritis-like swelling and inflammation. This poorly understood condition is more common and severe in African Americans than in Caucasians. By studying family members with the disease, we hope to find the genes that cause this condition, information that ultimately could lead to more effective methods of treatment.
In addition to her independent research, Dr. Montgomery is the director of two programs, the Sarcoidosis Research Unit and the Quantitative Analysis Core.
Sarcoidosis Research Unit
The OMRF Sarcoidosis Research Unit is currently recruiting sarcoidosis patients and healthy controls for research in genomics. This research aims to inform diagnostics and treatment of sarcoidosis.
Quantitative Analysis Core
The OMRF Quantitative Analysis Core offers expertise in a number of fields related to the analysis of clinical, serological, molecular and genomic data. We have participated in studies in the fields of autoimmunity, cancer, inflammation, and a number of others including collaborators from within the OMRF, OUHSC, and around the world. We are particularly well-versed in and have numerous projects including high-dimensional genomics data.