Position(s):
Professor, Dept. of Bioscience & Biotechnology
Department Head

Office: 118 Stratton Hall

Phone: (215) 895-2628 (Office)
            (215) 895-4931 (Lab)

Email: mkh28@drexel.edu

Educational Information

B.S. - Biology & Chemistry, University of the Sciences in Philadelphia (1969)
Ph.D. - Molecular Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Wistar Institute (1976)

Courses Taught

BIO420: Virology
BIO480: Parasitology

I co-invented the technique of human tissue xenografts in immunocompromised mice for studying the effectiveness of microbicides and the pathology of papillomaviruses (HPV), the causative agent of cervical cancer. This patented xenograft model is an animal model that uses intact human vaginal, cervical, and foreskin epithelium to reproduce the epithelial barrier that is normally found human beings. We have shown that uninfected vaginal grafts demonstrate similar features to the normal human vagina. However, grafts infected by herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2), HPV, and HIV-1 produce pathologic features identical to those in patients with lesions. We have also used the xenograft model to analyze identified gene products of human papillomaviruses that may work to stop the progression of papillomas to cervical cancer.

Our current research focuses on the development of alkyl sulfates, such as sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), as microbicides to prevent sexual transmission of HPV and human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) among other sexually transmitted pathogens. We have also explored expanding the use of microbicides to prevent transmission of HIV-1 through breast milk. Our other research interest is the investigation of the molecular biology of HPVs and the role of HPV proteins in promoting tumorgenesis. , especially in the context of co-infection with HSV-2. The Howett laboratory benefits from significant collaboration with the Drexel University College of Medicine, The Population Council ( New York, New York), Brown University ( Providence, RI), among others. Our lab has been key in promoting the establishment of a federally funded Sexually Transmitted Disease Center at Drexel University. Our research initiatives are well-funded by the NIH, the PA Department of Health and other extramural agencies.

To view some of Dr. Howett's published work [...click here...]

Research Associates, Post-Docs and Graduate Students

Li Fang, Ph.D.
Zafar Khan, Ph.D.
Sandra Urdaneta, M.D./Ph.D.
Veronica Holmes: Studying the use of small interfering RNA (siRNA) against CCR5, 3’ LTR, 
                           and 5’ gag of HIV-1 to prevent HIV-1 replication in vivo, in our mouse 
                           xenograft model, and in vitro, in an organ tissue culture system. Additionally, 
                           studying the use of peptide nucleic acids to prevent activation and replication 
                           of the HIV-1 provirus in latent host cell reservoirs. 
Joseph Owusu-Boateng: Studying the potential role of Nonoxynol 9 (N9) in promoting cervical 
                                    cancer by means of increased local inflammation in the genital tract 
                                    that may lead to DNA damage.

Personal/Laboratory Website(s):