Dr. Resar's studies molecular mechanisms leading to cancer, blood diseases, sickle cell anemia, hemophilia and other coagulopathies. Her research focuses on the HMG-I/Y gene family, which is widely overexpressed and functions as oncogenes in human cancers. Her laboratory recently developed transgenic mice overexpressing HMG-I; all mice develop aggressive lymphoid malignancy similar to leukemia and lymphoma in humans. Her studies also demonstrate that this gene is overexpressed in human lymphoid and other malignancies. Translational studies are underway to determine if overexpression of HMG-I is a marker for more aggressive human cancers. Resar's long-term goal is to develop more rational therapies that interfere with HMG-I/Y function in neoplastic transformation.