Kyle Selcer

Dr. Kyle Selcer became a faculty member at Duquesne University in 1992. His research centers on understanding how steroid hormones, particularly androgens and estrogens, influence hormone-dependent cancers. Alongside his research endeavors, Dr. Selcer plays an active role in teaching courses related to human physiology and endocrinology.

His laboratory is dedicated to understanding the function of these hormones in both normal and pathological processes. One significant area of investigation concerns environmental estrogens, chemical pollutants that mimic estrogen's actions. Dr. Selcer's team is developing bioassays for their detection, using the biomarker vitellogenin found in wild animal blood samples.

Furthermore, they explore the role of steroid sulfatase—an enzyme—in hormone-dependent cancer growth. They are developing inhibitors for steroid sulfatase as potential treatments for breast and prostate carcinomas. Additionally, they are investigating the regulation of steroid sulfatase in various tissues, including breast, bone, and ovarian tissues.

Another area of emphasis is the role of androgens in the reproduction of female nonmammalian vertebrates. Their research suggests that androgen levels in females may be as high as those in males for certain species of reptiles and amphibians, hinting at a potential function in female reproduction. The laboratory employs diverse model systems such as fish, frogs, turtles, rats, human placenta, and human breast and prostate cancer cell lines to further their investigations.